China has vowed to strengthen its patent system and intellectual property protection while at the same time setting into motion a comprehensive patent information network.

"China will better its patent mechanism and make it play an active role in economic development," Jiang Ying, administrator of the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), said on January at the national patent conference.

She urged the pilot cities to speed up their applications for modern patent management, which would meet world standards.

Meanwhile, she said, state-owned enterprises and academic institutions should pay more attention to patent application and protection.

As the top official overseeing China's intellectual property protection, Jiang said her office is considering drawing up regulations on a high-tech patent protection and awarding system for patent owners.

"The state will encourage the Chinese people to make more inventions," Jiang said.

While further cultivating the market of patented technologies, China is establishing a nationwide patent information network, which might be finished by the end of this year.

Jiang also stressed that standardized service in the field is urgently needed in China.

In the second revision of the patent law, the administration wants to streamline procedures for patent application.

Since the adoption of the patent law in 1985, China has received more than one million patent applications.

China has adopted several related regulations in addition to the patent law.

Statistics show that China has over 5,000 patent agents and 560patent agencies, including 15 dealing in foreign transactions.

Originating from the China Patent Office (CPO), the SIPO takes more responsibility for coordinating with foreign counterparts and international organizations.