This article aims at analysing technological knowledge transfer through the implementation of open innovation (OI) in China thanks to patent licensing. It addresses the following question: What are the open processes based on patent licensing used by Chinese firms to share their knowledge? Knowledge sharing is investigated through three recognised processes: out-licensing, in-licensing and coupled ones. While previous studies have enriched our understanding of a specific openness process (mostly in-licensing), they give the limited empirical evidence of these three processes. Our research extends these studies by outlining the deployment of the three processes by Chinese firms. It contributes to a comprehensive approach of knowledge sharing by shedding light on their relationships.