Patent applications from the northeastern province surged 128 percent to more than 23,000 filings in 2011, the top growth rate in the country.

More than half of the applications last year were granted, bringing the province's total to 66,090.

The increase is partially attributed to an IP-friendly environment. Authorities investigated 36 patent infringement cases and helped promote more than 1,000 patented technological projects last year.

Twelve local companies each had more than 100 patent applications in 2011, while 34 firms filed for their first patents.

(Source: China Daily)