SME Futures Editorial
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has released its World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) 2024 report, highlighting a year of significant strides in intellectual property (IP) across the globe. In a notable development, India has emerged among the top 10 countries in the world for patents, trademarks, and industrial design applications, reflecting the nation’s rising influence in the global IP landscape.
Strong growth in patent filings and grants
India’s patent ecosystem is flourishing, as the country recorded the fastest growth rate in patent applications (+15.7 per cent) among the top 20 global origins. In 2023, India registered a total of 64,480 patent applications, placing it sixth in the global ranking. This growth represents the fifth consecutive year of double-digit increases in patent filings. A key milestone was achieved as resident filings accounted for more than half (55.2 per cent) of the total applications—a first in India’s patenting history. Furthermore, the Indian patent office granted 149.4 per cent more patents in 2023 compared to the previous year, showcasing the country’s rapidly maturing IP infrastructure and commitment to innovation.
In the domain of industrial design, India’s applications rose by a striking 36.4 per cent, in line with the country’s growing emphasis on product design, manufacturing, and the creative industries. Major contributors to this surge were sectors such as Textiles and Accessories, Tools and Machines, and Health and Cosmetics, which together represented almost half of all design filings. This increase underscores India’s dedication to strengthening its creative economy and highlights the role of design in fostering innovation and market competitiveness.
Trademark filings and brand protection
India’s commitment to brand protection is evident in its strong performance in trademark filings, where it ranks fourth globally with a 6.1 per cent increase in applications in 2023. Nearly 90 per cent of trademark filings originated from Indian residents, with Health (21.9 per cent), Agriculture (15.3 per cent), and Clothing (12.8 per cent) leading as key sectors. Notably, India now has over 3.2 million active trademarks, the second-largest volume worldwide, underscoring its established position in the global brand protection landscape.
Economic indicators and impact on IP growth
India’s patent-to-GDP ratio has more than doubled in the last decade, rising from 144 to 381, reflecting the alignment of IP activity with economic growth. The past five years have seen patent and industrial design applications more than double, while trademark filings have risen by 60 per cent. This upward trend mirrors the government’s concerted efforts to create a supportive environment for IP development and reinforce India’s position as a global innovation hub.
The WIPO report also provides insights into global IP trends, indicating a 2.7 per cent increase in patent applications worldwide, with a record 3.55 million applications filed in 2023. Asia emerged as a major contributor to this growth, with significant filings from China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and India. The upward trend in resident filings reflects a shift towards local innovation, with countries increasingly focusing on strengthening their domestic IP landscapes. India’s inclusion in this league underscores its dedication to fostering a robust IP ecosystem through initiatives that drive local innovation and global competitiveness.
The WIPO World Intellectual Property Indicators 2024 report shines a spotlight on India’s ongoing advancements in IP. With consistent growth in resident filings and a robust IP infrastructure, India’s position in the global IP community continues to strengthen. These achievements underscore the impact of various government initiatives aimed at transforming India into a global leader in innovation and intellectual property.
As India advances its commitment to intellectual property, the country is poised to drive future growth in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, setting the stage for increased economic development and global IP leadership.
