In a historic milestone, India has emerged as the leading country for patent filings within its borders in 2023, surpassing all other foreign nations. This breakthrough signals a significant shift as India transforms from a technology consumer into a global technology creator. Fueled by progressive government policies, rising research capabilities, and a dynamic innovation ecosystem, India’s patent landscape is rapidly evolving, positioning the nation at the forefront of intellectual property generation worldwide.
Rising Patent Filings by Indian Applicants
Indian applicants accounted for 57% of all patent filings in 2023, a significant rise from the early 2000s when domestic institutions filed less than 20%. India also became the second-largest recipient of granted patents, overtaking the US in 2021. This growing share underscores India’s expanding role in the global intellectual property ecosystem.
Government Initiatives Driving Innovation
Several government initiatives have fostered innovation and patenting activity. The National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy and the Atal Innovation Mission promote startups, researchers, and students to innovate and protect their ideas. Key reforms include expedited patent examinations, an 80% fee reduction for educational institutions and startups, and full digitalisation of the patent process—simplifying filings and accelerating approvals.
Changing Patent Landscape by Sector
Patent trends reveal a shift from traditional mechanical and chemical engineering to technology-driven fields. Computer science patents rose from 1.27% in 2000 to 26.5% in 2023; electrical engineering patents grew from 8.27% to 16.41%. Biomedical patents surged from 0.6% to 10%, while physics-related patents doubled to 4%. This diversification highlights India’s growing emphasis on high-tech and interdisciplinary research.
Faster Patent Processing and Increased Approvals
Patent processing times have improved dramatically—from 8-10 years earlier to many approvals within 2-3 years today, with some granted in the same year as filing. Although nearly 80% of recent patents are still pending decisions, the system’s enhanced efficiency supports quicker commercialization and innovation cycles.
Shift in Patent Filers: Individuals and Institutions Lead
The profile of patent filers has evolved. Company filings declined from 43% in 2000 to under 17% in 2023, while individual filings rose from under 10% to around 32%. Educational institutions now contribute nearly 43% of filings. Government bodies and hospitals remain minor contributors. Programs like KAPILA and the Atal Innovation Mission have boosted IP awareness and entrepreneurship within academia.
Role of Universities and Research Institutes
Universities have emerged as innovation hubs. IIT Madras doubled its granted patents from 156 in 2022 to 300 in 2023, while IIT Bombay led with 421 patents granted in 2023–24. Dedicated IP cells and legal support help researchers file patents and commercialize technologies, crucial for nurturing early-stage research and startups.
Need for Increased Research and Development Investment
India’s R&D expenditure stands at 0.67% of GDP, trailing the US (3.5%) and China (2.5%). To sustain innovation momentum, investment should increase to around 2% of GDP. Greater funding will support foundational research and advanced technology development, vital for India’s self-reliance amid global trade uncertainties and for enhancing its global knowledge leadership.