China Utility Model Patent: Trash or Treasure – A Data-Based Analysis

The Chinese Utility Model Patent (CUMP) has existed since the implementation of China’s Patent Law in 1985. Previous studies on the CUMP focus on the patentability standards (subject matter, novelty, and non-obviousness), and the nature of the system itself. Data-based empirical studies are not often seen. This paper fills this gap by analyzing the CUMP from the data perspectives of citation, litigation, and finance. Derived conclusions show the growing importance of the CUMP, and its high value, as a treasure to CUMP holders, contrary to the traditional misconception that the CUMP is trash.