BEIJING, March 24 -- The number of invention patents granted in China in the first two months of this year witnessed a remarkable year-on-year increase of 77.56 percent, according to the country's top intellectual property regulator.

The latest monthly report released by the China National Intellectual Property Administration revealed that a total of 152,258 invention patents were granted in China between January and February this year. Notably, enterprise patents constituted the majority and exhibited the highest year-on-year growth rate when compared to those obtained by universities, research institutions, and individuals.

Both utility model authorizations and design authorizations witnessed a decline compared to the same period last year, resulting in a 9.9 percent year-on-year decrease in the total number of these three types of patents, said the report.