India has experienced a significant surge in intellectual property (IP) filings over the past decade. Patent applications have more than doubled, trademark filings have increased 2.5 times, and design registrations have tripled. This rapid growth underscores India’s commitment to fostering innovation, according to David Muls, Senior Director (Madrid Registry) at the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
India’s Rising Position in Global Innovation Rankings
Speaking at a seminar on the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and Madrid System, Muls highlighted India’s growing influence in the global innovation landscape. The country now ranks 39th in the 2024 Global Innovation Index and leads in Central and Southern Asia.
Seminar on Patents and Global IP Protection
The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM), under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with WIPO, hosted a daylong seminar at the Dr. Marri Channa Reddy Human Resources Development Institute. The event brought together industry leaders, start-ups, researchers, and policymakers to discuss advancements in patents and international IP protection.
Discussions on Strengthening India’s IP Framework
The seminar provided a platform for key stakeholders to explore India’s evolving IP landscape. Discussions focused on the importance of patents in fostering technological advancements, with special emphasis on the benefits of filing patents through the PCT route.
Government Initiatives Driving IP Growth
Shashank Goel, Director-General of Dr. MCR HRD Institute, emphasized India’s unprecedented rise in patent filings. He credited government initiatives such as the digitization of patent filings, expedited examination for start-ups, and reduced filing fees for MSMEs for making the patent process more accessible and efficient. “These reforms have played a crucial role in elevating India’s global standing in patent filings,” Goel stated.
Supporting Biomedical and Tech Innovations
As reported by thehindubusinessline.com, the government actively supports biomedical and tech innovations. Initiatives like Medical Innovations Patent Mitra play a key role.
Developed under the guidance of NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) and supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), this initiative aims to streamline patent filing in the biomedical sector.
Conclusion
India’s strong focus on intellectual property protection and innovation-friendly policies is driving its rapid ascent in global innovation rankings. With continued government support, India’s IP sector is growing. Increasing awareness among businesses and researchers strengthens its leadership.
