The article explores why Chinese electrical and electronic industries decide to patent or not patent their research and development (R&D) output. The researchers used a combination of expert opinions and surveys to identify factors influencing this decision. The main reasons for patenting were to prevent lawsuits, earn licensing profits, and block competitors. On the other hand, reasons for not patenting included maintaining secrecy, high costs, and difficulty in proving a new invention. This study provides valuable insights for Chinese companies looking to develop their intellectual property strategies.