Integrated IP Protection and FTA Use Crucial for Indian Exporters’ Global Success, Finds Report

Indian exporters aiming for sustained international growth must adopt an integrated strategy that combines intellectual property (IP) protection, effective utilisation of free trade agreements (FTAs), customs documentation, regulatory compliance, and supply chain controls, according to a joint report by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) and RNA Technology and IP Attorneys.

As Indian companies expand their footprint across diverse regions including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, the report stresses that IP is no longer merely a legal consideration. Instead, it has evolved into a critical business asset that influences market access, company valuation, strategic partnerships, and long-term competitiveness.

The report explicitly states that for exporters, the most valuable assets extend beyond physical factories or inventories to include intellectual property. It advocates for an integrated operating discipline where IP protection, FTA utilisation, customs documentation, regulatory compliance, supply-chain controls, and contractual safeguards are planned collectively before market entry.

Highlighting the risks of inadequate IP planning, the report cautions that companies entering foreign markets without proper preparation may face trademark squatting, patent infringement claims, customs seizures, counterfeiting, trade secret theft, or expensive rebranding efforts.

"International expansion therefore requires a proactive and structured IP strategy," the report advises. It recommends that businesses identify their key intellectual assets, assess ownership and protection gaps, evaluate trademark availability, and prioritise filings for patents, trademarks, designs, and trade secret protections before entering new markets.

The report further warns that delays in these preparatory steps can result in missed opportunities and permanent loss of valuable rights.

The TPCI hosted the India IP Advantage Summit 2026 to focus on transforming India’s rising IP momentum into commercial advantage on the global stage.

Mohit Singla, Chairman of TPCI, noted that while patent filings and IP registrations have steadily increased, challenges remain in commercialisation, enforcement, and achieving global recognition.

"Building a robust pipeline of Indian-owned patents and trademarks across sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, consumer brands, and creative industries will be pivotal to securing India's place in the global knowledge economy," Singla said. He highlighted that patent applications filed with the Indian Patent Office rose from 58,503 in 2020-21 to 143,729 in 2025-26.

Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDT), speaking at the summit, outlined that a series of measures have been implemented to streamline IP application processes, further supporting exporters in protecting their intellectual assets effectively.

This comprehensive approach underscores the critical role of IP strategy integrated with trade facilitation measures in enhancing the competitiveness of Indian exporters in international markets.