ZTE 4th Globally in Smartphone Patent Applications
Company holds No. 1 rank in China in same category
8 March 2012, Shenzhen, China – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, ranks fourth in terms of smartphone patents globally, with 972 total applications, according to a report by the State Intellectual Property Office of the People’s Republic of China, published the global rankings.
The state report also states that ZTE ranked first in China for smartphone patent applications, with 1,019. According to the report, applications for smartphone patents increased rapidly around the globe from 2003 through 2006. In China, applications for smartphone patents began to increase rapidly in 2005. During that year, applications filed by domestic applicants outnumbered those filed by overseas applicants for the first time.
“Patent applications are important to ZTE,” said ZTE Executive Vice President He Shiyou. “Our global and domestic rankings in smartphone patent filings show the company’s commitment to R&D and innovation.”
ZTE has over a decade of experience in handset R&D. To date, ZTE has acquired more than 8,000 total cell phone patents at home and abroad. Of those, over 6,000 are Chinese patents. It also holds more than 2,000 international PCT patents, with more than 70 per cent of those related to 3G and cellular.
In 2011, ZTE’s handset business grew more than 50 per cent year-on-year, and its global shipments of smart terminals topped 12 million, a year-on-year increase of 400 per cent. According to a report by research firm Gartner, ZTE is the second-fastest-growing smartphone maker in the world. In the fourth quarter of 2011, the company became the world’s No. 4 handset manufacturer in terms of shipment volume.
About ZTE
ZTE is a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions with the most comprehensive product range covering virtually every sector of the wireline, wireless, service and terminals markets. The company delivers innovative, custom-made products and services to over 500 operators in more than 140 countries, helping them to meet the changing needs of their customers while achieving continued revenue growth. ZTE’s 2010 revenue led the industry with a 21% increase to USD10.609 billion. ZTE commits 10 percent of its revenue to research and development and takes a leading role in a wide range of international bodies developing emerging telecoms standards. A company with sound corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, ZTE is a member of the UN Global Compact. ZTE is China’s only listed telecom manufacturer, publicly traded on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ). For more information, please visit www.zte.com.cn.
