Justice Prathiba M Singh Becomes First Indian Judge Inducted into International IP Hall of Fame 2026

Justice Prathiba M Singh, a Permanent Judge of the Delhi High Court, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian judge inducted into the International IP Hall of Fame for the year 2026. This distinguished honor was announced in conjunction with IPBC Global 2026 held in San Diego, where the Hall of Fame recognizes legal leaders who have made significant and lasting impacts on intellectual property law, policy, and practice worldwide.

The induction of Justice Singh not only celebrates her individual accomplishments but also highlights India’s growing prominence in the global intellectual property arena. Indian courts, particularly the Delhi High Court, are increasingly influential in shaping modern IP jurisprudence, especially in areas involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, and technology-related legal disputes.

Before her elevation to the bench, Justice Singh was a leading intellectual property lawyer known for handling landmark cases that shaped India’s IP landscape. Her official profile on the Delhi High Court website details her extensive experience in major patent, trademark, copyright, and technology disputes, which earned her respect as one of India’s foremost IP legal experts.

Justice Singh’s judicial tenure has continued to influence the development of IP law in India. She is also recognized internationally, serving as Chairperson of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Advisory Board of Judges for the 2025–2027 term. This role underscores her stature within the global IP legal community and her contributions to international IP governance.

Her views on India’s evolving patent and standard essential patents (SEP) dispute framework have been highlighted by IAM, reflecting her broader impact beyond individual cases to the global perception of India’s IP system.

The International IP Hall of Fame is a prestigious platform that honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to intellectual property law, policy, and practice over many years. Justice Singh’s induction places her among a select group of globally recognized IP leaders, marking a career-level achievement rather than a routine accolade.

Justice Singh’s educational background includes a five-year law degree from University Law College, Bangalore, where she graduated as the first-rank holder. She further earned an LL.M. from the University of Cambridge, UK, supported by the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust’s ODASSS scholarship. During her academic career, she represented India at the Philip C. Jessup Moot Court competition in Chicago, USA.

She enrolled with the Bar in 1991 and quickly established herself as a leading intellectual property litigator. As managing partner of the law firm Singh & Singh, she handled high-profile cases across patents, trademarks, designs, and copyright. Notably, she represented Indian pharmaceutical companies Cipla and Ranbaxy in the landmark 2013 Supreme Court case concerning Novartis’ patent on the cancer drug Glivec.

Justice Prathiba M Singh’s induction into the International IP Hall of Fame is a testament to her profound influence on intellectual property law in India and internationally. It also signals the increasing recognition of India’s legal system in protecting innovation and resolving complex IP disputes on the global stage.