East Asia innovating? (or just inventing?)

WIPO has released its 2010 tally of patent applications.  Year-on-year change from 2009:
  • China: + 56.2% (now ranks #4))
  • Rep of Korea: + 20.5% 
  • Japan: + 7.9%
  • "Six out of the top 10 applicants are from East Asia. In addition to the Chinese two, three are from Japan and one is from South Korea."
  • India is not in the top 15, but has experienced a 15% increase (albeit from a low base) 
  • Most Western countries have continued their downward trend, including the US (which is nonetheless #1)

- sezflom