Based on 2001-2021 panel data, this paper uses ESDA to reveal the spatial distribution characteristics of patent applicants in China, and applies panel regressions to estimate influencing factors. It reveals that the distribution of patent applicants in China is strongly uneven, with hotspots being Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta, cold spots being central, western and northeastern regions. In spatial regression, three key variables all have significant positive influences on patent applicants, and moderating effect of ‘Industrial diversity’ is also significantly positive. The spatial regression coefficient lambda is significantly positive, indicating a spatial spillover effect.