Patents on the Rise: India’s Latest Surge in Intellectual Property Filings

India has a long-standing tradition of innovation and technological progress that dates back to ancient times. This legacy continues to thrive in the modern era, with recent years showcasing a remarkable surge in intellectual property rights (IPR) filings. The latest report released by CGPDTM, the authority responsible for granting IP rights in India, highlights a substantial surge in IPR filings, rising from 5,68,049 in 2021-22 to 6,01,789 in 2022–23.

Let’s explore the key findings of the report and understand where the innovation landscape is headed.

Trends in IPR Filing

The Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) has been proactively advancing the government’s efforts to streamline intellectual property (IP) processes, boost IP awareness, and foster commercialisation. According to their records, IPR filings in 2022-23 saw a 5.94% growth, with a total of 6,01,789 filings, compared to 5,68,049 in 2021-22.

Here’s a breakdown of the figures for each IP category:

Patents: During FY23, a total of 82,811 patent applications were filed, marking a 24.64% growth compared to the previous year. Out of these, 49,961 applications were examined, and 34,134 patents were granted.

Designs: In 2022-23, 22,698 design applications were filed, maintaining the same number as the previous year. Registrations and disposals of designs saw significant growth, with a 53.33% and 52.65% increase, respectively, over the last year.

Trademarks: A total of 4,66,580 trademark applications were filed in 2022-23, and 3,95,405 were examined. However, due to operational constraints, the number of approved and disposed applications declined by 11.25% and 8.38%, respectively.

Geographical Indications (GIs): In 2022-23, 211 GI applications were filed, 100 were examined, and 55 were granted approval.

Copyrights: The regulator received 29,466 copyright applications, of which 24,896 were examined and 12,082 registrations were completed.

During 2022-23, the generated revenue amounted to Rs 1,185.04 crores, an 8.93% increase from the previous year. The total expenditure incurred by the patent office stood at Rs 252.05 crores.

Statewise Statistics

Tamil Nadu (7,686) led the country in the number of patents filed during the period, followed by Maharashtra (5,626) and Uttar Pradesh (5,564). States and UTs like Karnataka (5,408), Punjab (3,405), Telangana (2,438), and Delhi (1,960) also reported a significant spike in patent filings.

Additionally, the number of applications claiming priority under the Paris Convention rose slightly to 3,351 in 2022-23 from 3,299 the previous year, showing a marginal growth of 1.57%. Foreign applications related to patents also increased, reaching 3,258 in 2022-23 compared to 3,212 the previous year.

Government Initiatives to Promote IP Registrations

Here are some key government initiatives aimed at promoting IP filings and ensuring faster disposal:

• The CGPDTM launched the National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) in October 2021 to raise awareness of IPR among 1 million school students by 15 August 2022.
• The Startup Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme is a government initiative in India aimed at helping startups protect their intellectual property rights (IPR). From 1 October 2023, SIPP was extended for another three years to further support startups in safeguarding their intellectual property.

What’s Next?

The rise in IPR filings in India is a testament to the country’s growing emphasis on innovation and its evolving economic landscape. With increased government support, stronger legal frameworks, and a rapidly expanding knowledge economy, the protection of intellectual property is becoming a key driver for business growth and technological advancement.

That’s it for today. We hope you’ve found this article informative. Remember to spread the word among your friends. Until we meet again, stay curious!

This article is for informational purposes only. This is not investment advice. Disclaimer: Teji Mandi Disclaimer