India has recorded a striking 44% increase in Intellectual Property (IP) filings over the past five years, underscoring the nation’s growing innovation culture. This growth is powered by major policy reforms, fee concessions, and a sweeping digital transformation led by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The number of IP applications filed by Indian citizens jumped from 477,533 in 2020-21 to 689,991 in 2024-25 — a clear indicator of the country’s rising focus on protecting innovations and indigenous products.
Key Growth Highlights by IP Category:
- Geographical Indications (GI): 📈 380% increase
- Designs: + 266% growth
- Patents: 🔬 180% rise
- Copyrights: 📚 83% uptick
- Trademarks: ™️ 28% gain
- Semiconductor Layout-Designs (SICLD): 💻 20% increase
Reform-Driven Momentum:
- Simplified IP laws and streamlined rules
- Mandatory e-filing of patent documents
- 10% fee reduction for online patent filings
- Patent examination time cut to 31 months
- Working statement filings made triennial
Incentives for Innovation:
- 80% fee reduction on patents for Startups, MSMEs, and Educational Institutions
- Over 95% of all IP filings now digital
- Launch of the IP Sarthi Chatbot for user support
- NIPAM (National IP Awareness Mission) spreading IP literacy across India
Notable Milestone:
- 697 Geographical Indications (GIs) registered as of today — showcasing India’s strong push to preserve and promote local products.
Minister of State
Mr. Jitin Prasada emphasized that these developments reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to building a robust IP ecosystem and supporting innovation-driven growth.