India Unveils Ambitious IP Reform to Boost Innovation and Global Competitiveness

According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), India saw over 92,000 patent applications in FY 2023–24—an all-time high. Encouragingly, a larger proportion of these applications came from domestic inventors, signaling a positive trend in local R&D and innovation. There was also a notable increase in design registrations, reflecting the country's growing creative and consumer-driven sectors.

To support this momentum, the Indian IP Office has undergone a digital transformation. With increased staff strength, automation of processes, and AI-based systems in place, patent and trademark filings are now more accessible and user-friendly. This step is particularly vital for India’s over 100,000 startups and 110 unicorns, many of which rely on swift IP protection to secure investments and market advantage.

Moreover, India is working closely with international partners like the United Kingdom to harmonise its IP policies with global best practices. During bilateral meetings, both nations emphasized the importance of IP in supporting bilateral trade and innovation-driven development.

At the grassroots level, the Indian government is pushing for the establishment of IP cells in universities and technical institutes, aiming to build awareness, promote IP filings, and bridge the gap between academia and commercialization. The Governor of Karnataka recently urged educational institutions to become active contributors to India’s IP journey by fostering a culture of innovation and legal awareness.

However, challenges remain. Despite visible progress, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) continues to place India on its Priority Watch List, citing concerns around pharmaceutical patents, enforcement, and data protection. The U.S. has urged India to make more robust changes to its IP regime to protect foreign investments and foster transparent IP governance.

In response, Indian officials have reiterated the country’s commitment to reform, asserting that the changes are geared not just to appease trade partners but to empower Indian innovators and entrepreneurs. With reforms now gaining momentum, India is poised to emerge as a major IP hub in Asia.