查一查现状： most intellectual property (IP)

The country with the most intellectual property (IP) related to refining rare earth elements is China.

Heres why:

1. Dominance in rare earth processing:
   China refines over 85% of the worlds rare earth elements, giving it a significant technological and industrial edge.
   
   
2. Extensive patent portfolio:
   Chinese companies and research institutions (e.g., Baotou Rare Earth Research Institute, China Northern Rare Earth Group) hold thousands of patents related to:
   
   
   • Extraction and separation techniques
     
     
   • Solvent and hydrometallurgical processes
     
     
   • Environmental controls in rare earth refining
     
     
3. Government support for IP generation:
   Chinas state-backed innovation strategy has encouraged aggressive IP filings in strategic sectors like rare earths, often making them the top filer globally in this niche.