Question:

How many patent attorneys and patent agencies are there in China, and what proportion of Chinese applications are handled by agencies?

Answer:

As of December 11, 2013, China had 1,001 patent agencies and 8,861 practising patent attorneys.

Of all patent applications filed with SIPO, 65% were handled through patent agencies. All applications filed with SIPO by foreign applicants were handled through patent agencies.

Patent agencies: 704 in 2008 and 1,001 in 2013 (original Japanese chart).
Patent agencies: 704 in 2008 and 1,001 in 2013 (original Japanese chart).
Patent qualification examination passers: 9,513 in 2008 and 17,886 in 2013. Registered practising patent attorneys: 5,742 and 8,861 respectively (original Japanese chart).
Patent qualification examination passers: 9,513 in 2008 and 17,886 in 2013. Registered practising patent attorneys: 5,742 and 8,861 respectively (original Japanese chart).