The number of patent agencies across China increased by 371, or a 20.3 percent growth from a year earlier, to nearly 2,200 in 2018, the China National Intellectual Property Administration announced in late April. To better regulate the IP service industry, the CNIPA requires that the agencies submit their annual report, based on which the authorities adjust their supervision. Last year, 79 agencies failed in their submission and were listed as "abnormal operations" by the CNIPA. In addition, 190 patent agencies, or more than 90 percent, of those newly founded last year benefited from the CNIPA's reform drive targeting the sector, as they are located in designated pilot provinces and cities.