India’s rise as a global leader in innovation and intellectual property (IP) has been highlighted in the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (WIPO) 2024 World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) report. The report praises India’s progress in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. It signals India’s growing role as a global innovation powerhouse.
India’s Patent Filings: A Top 6 Player Globally
India ranked 6th globally in patent filings in 2023, with 64,480 applications. This puts India alongside leading innovators like China, the US, Japan, and South Korea. Patent filings rose by 15.7%—the fastest growth among the top 20 economies. Residents accounted for 55.2% of the filings, highlighting strong domestic innovation.
The Indian Patent Office granted 149.4% more patents in 2023 compared to 2022. Industrial design filings increased by 36.4%, driven by sectors like textiles, tools, and health. This surge reflects India’s focus on creating value-added products for global and domestic markets.
India Leads in Trademarks and Brand Protection
India ranked 4th globally in trademark filings, with a 6.1% rise in 2023. Residents made nearly 90% of these filings, showing increased awareness of brand protection. India now holds 3.2 million active trademarks, the second-highest in the world.
Sectors such as Health, Agriculture, and Clothing led trademark filings. These accounted for 21.9%, 15.3%, and 12.8%, respectively. Between 2018 and 2023, trademark filings rose by 60%, while patent filings more than doubled. The patent-to-GDP ratio increased from 144 to 381, underlining the link between innovation and economic growth.
Industrial Designs: A Creative Surge in Manufacturing
India recorded a 36.4% rise in industrial design filings in 2023. Industries like textiles, tools, and cosmetics contributed nearly 50% of the filings. This growth highlights India’s move toward design-driven manufacturing.
Indian manufacturers are shifting from mass production to creating products that focus on design, functionality, and user experience. This aligns with global trends, where industrial design drives product innovation and competitiveness.
Government Initiatives Fuel Growth in IP
Government policies like the National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy and Startup India have accelerated India’s innovation. The National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) has increased awareness across educational institutions and businesses. Programs like the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) have supported over 3,500 startups and created 32,000 jobs.
The Technology Innovation Support Centres (TISC) in universities help in filing patents and commercializing innovations. IPR Chairs in higher education institutions promote specialized research and training. These efforts ensure India’s intellectual property growth stays on track.
Global Innovation Index (GII): A Milestone Achievement
India climbed from 81st in 2015 to 39th in the 2024 Global Innovation Index. It now ranks first among lower-middle-income economies and in Central and Southern Asia. This reflects India’s thriving startup ecosystem and increased R&D investment.
India’s Global Innovation Leadership
The WIPO report emphasizes India’s growing influence in global innovation and IP. With strong government support and an expanding entrepreneurial base, India continues to shape the future of global industries.
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