According to the latest statistics of WIPO, global PCT filings dip in 2009 amid global economic downturn which happened the first time in the past 30 years. Based on the data indicated, 155,900 patent applications were filed in 2009 as compared to 163,249 applications filed in 2008, down 4.5%. With the sharper decline rate of over 11% experienced by some industrialized countries including America, Germany, Sweden, Canada, East Asian countries continued to enjoy positive growth in spite of the challenging global economic conditions. China became the fifth largest PCT member with a strong growth rate of 29.7%. Japan and Korea experienced the 3.6% and 2.1% rate of growth respectively.
                                                                                             Source: China IP News