In a significant boost to India’s innovation ecosystem, approximately 92,000 patent applications were filed in the last fiscal year, according to Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM), Government of India. Addressing the ASSOCHAM IP Excellence Awards and Summit in New Delhi, Dr. Pandit highlighted India’s progress as an intellectual property (IP)-friendly nation fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Pandit emphasised that India’s intellectual property framework is evolving to meet the demands of a knowledge-driven economy. “Every six minutes, an invention that holds promise in the Indian economy seeks IP protection in India. We are updating IP guidelines to ensure robust protection across industries while promoting IP-driven solutions to meet societal demands,” he stated.
He also underlined the importance of nurturing innovation at grassroots levels, contributing to India's vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). “Our IP system must be vibrant and inclusive, addressing the needs of even the remotest regions. This rapid growth in patent grants reflects the efficiency of India’s patent office and the global quality of innovations being filed,” Dr. Pandit added.
Rise in Domestic Filings
The surge in resident filings for patents and trademarks marks a growing local innovation ecosystem. Dr. Pandit credited this to initiatives under Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), which encourage Indian businesses and individuals to protect their intellectual assets. This trend enhances their competitiveness both domestically and globally, reinforcing India’s position as a hub for technology and scientific development.
India’s Global IP Standing
ASSOCHAM National Council on IPR Chairperson, Mr. Pravin Anand, highlighted India’s rise to the 39th position on the Global Innovation Index 2024. “This achievement reflects the government’s strong support for an efficient IP ecosystem,” he said. Mr. Anand also noted India's growing reputation as a destination for Standard Essential Patent (SEP) litigation, where complex cases are handled with expertise.
Adding to this, Mr. Hiroyuki Nakano, Senior Director for Intellectual Property Rights at JETRO, praised India’s evolving legal framework and recent reforms. “India is emerging as a major player in the global patent ecosystem, leveraging its strong legal infrastructure and rising prominence in innovation,” he stated.
Joint Knowledge Report on Geographical Indications
The event also saw the release of a joint knowledge report on Geographical Indications (GIs) by ASSOCHAM and Remfry & Sagar. The report emphasises the economic and cultural significance of GIs in protecting indigenous products and promoting regional development.
Driving the Future of IP in India
As India’s IP landscape evolves, the focus remains on balancing quality with quantity in filings. The rapid increase in granted patents, along with the development of an efficient and inclusive IP system, signifies India’s ambition to become a global leader in innovation.
The IP ecosystem not only protects inventions but also enables businesses to scale their competitiveness in domestic and international markets, contributing to India’s overall economic growth.
With robust initiatives and reforms, India is on a strong trajectory toward establishing itself as a global powerhouse in intellectual property and innovation.
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