India's CGPDTM Releases Comprehensive Intellectual Property Annual Report for 2019-20 Highlighting Growth and Digital Reforms

The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) has released its Intellectual Property Annual Report for the fiscal year 2019-20, outlining notable advancements in India's IP framework. The CGPDTM continues to align its operations with international standards, aiming to provide a transparent, applicant-friendly, and efficient IP ecosystem.

The report highlights the office's commitment to timely IP service delivery through digital reforms, simplified procedures, and a robust grievance redressal mechanism. Stakeholders increasingly utilize the online feedback system, complementing regular meetings held across various locations to address concerns promptly.

Despite challenges posed by COVID-19 lockdowns, the CGPDTM implemented effective online functioning and work-from-home protocols to maintain smooth operations with minimal delays. Post-lockdown recovery efforts ensured the revival of IPO activities, contributing to improved performance efficiency and decreased pendency.

International cooperation remains a key focus, exemplified by the launch of the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program with Japan in December 2019. Additionally, India has made significant contributions to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Overall, the report records a 5.42% increase in total IP applications filed, rising from 405,324 in the previous year to 427,309 in 2019-20. Patent applications saw an 11.1% increase, with 56,267 filings. Notably, domestic patent filings grew to 20,843, representing 37.05% of total patents filed, up from 33.6% the prior year.

International patent filings through two routes showed mixed trends: Paris Convention applications decreased by approximately 7% to 3,637, while Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) National Phase applications increased by 7% to 28,832.

Design applications also rose significantly, with 14,290 filed—an increase of 13.55%. Examination of design applications increased by 7.76% to 13,642, while registrations and disposals grew by 29.2% and 28.8%, respectively.

Trademark filings reached 334,805, with examination pendency reduced to less than one month. Although registrations and disposals were lower compared to the previous year, this was due to the clearance of backlog applications accumulated over the prior three years.

Under the Madrid Protocol, the Indian Trade Marks Registry received 1,664 international trademark registration applications, of which 1,566 were verified and transmitted to WIPO. A total of 1,218 marks were registered internationally.

WIPO notified 14,001 international registrations seeking protection in India. The CGPDTM examined 14,294 International Registration Designations (IRDs), issuing 4,484 provisional refusals based on examination and 939 based on third-party oppositions. Ultimately, 14,699 international registrations were granted protection in India, with 10,570 granted without applicants needing to approach the Indian office. Conversely, 10,019 international registrations were refused protection.

Geographical Indications (GI) saw 42 applications filed and 22 registrations granted during the year. The report includes five-year trends for GI applications.

Copyright registrations also increased, with 21,905 applications received, 29,670 examined, and 16,029 registrations granted. Total disposals numbered 22,516, with four-year trend data provided.

Significantly, the Union Cabinet approved India's accession to the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performers and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT), extending copyright protections to digital and online environments.

The Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2019 introduced key improvements, including expanding expedited examination eligibility to eight additional categories such as start-ups, small entities, female natural persons, government-financed institutions, and applications under notified sectors or international arrangements.

Further, the amendment proposed waiving transmittal fees for international applications filed under e-PCT and fees for preparing and transmitting certified priority documents via WIPO's Digital Access Service (DAS). Patent grant certificates are now sent directly to applicants' email addresses, enhancing convenience.

This comprehensive report reflects the CGPDTM's ongoing efforts to modernize India's IP infrastructure, support innovation, and foster international collaboration despite unprecedented global challenges.