A total of 295 patents were granted in the first half of the year in Zhangjiagang of Jiangsu province, increasing 72.5 percent year-on-year.

Zhangjiagang reached the annual goal of 270 patents six months in advance.

Zhangjiagang’s science and technology bureau has made great efforts to promote patent applications this year by issuing a three-year plan between 2013 and 2015, adjusting supporting policy and raising the maximum support funds to 11,500 yuan ($1,879).

Bureau officials have gone to enterprises and agencies to explain the new policy. They have also organized themed training sessions every month.

Three patent agencies opened in the first half of the year to help enterprises during the patent grant application process.