India's Patent Filings Hit Historic High with 30.2% Growth in FY 2025-26
India has witnessed a remarkable surge in patent applications, with filings increasing by 30.2 per cent to reach 1,43,729 in the fiscal year 2025-26, up from 1,10,375 in the previous year. This announcement was made by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday, who attributed this significant growth to the government's proactive steps in strengthening the intellectual property rights (IPR) ecosystem.
Made in India Powered by Invented in India
In a social media post, Minister Goyal highlighted the achievement, stating, "Our patent filings soared to a historic 1.43 lakh+ in FY 2025-26, marking a 30.2 per cent increase over last year. With over 69 per cent of patents filed domestically, led by innovators from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, we are showing the world that Made in India is powered by Invented in India." This underscores the growing domestic innovation landscape, positioning India as the world's sixth-largest patent filer globally.
Steady Rise in Patent Filings Since 2016-17
The trend of increasing patent applications has been consistent over the years. Starting from 45,444 in 2016-17, the numbers have shown a steady climb:
- 47,894 in 2017-18
- 50,660 in 2018-19
- 56,268 in 2019-20
- 58,503 in 2020-21
- 66,440 in 2021-22
- 82,208 in 2022-23
- 92,163 in 2023-24
This progression reflects a robust and expanding innovation culture in the country.
Government Measures to Strengthen Patent Ecosystem
The government has implemented several key initiatives to foster a conducive environment for patent filings, particularly benefiting startups, MSMEs, and educational institutions. These measures include:
- Reduction in fees for startups, small entities, and educational institutions to lower the financial barrier to entry.
- Expedited examination of applications to speed up the approval process and encourage timely innovation.
- Pro bono facilitation for Indian startups in filing and processing patent, trademark, and design applications, providing essential support without cost burdens.
Rigorous Examination Process Ensures Quality Patents
Patent applications in India undergo a thorough substantive examination to ensure compliance with the Patents Act, 1970. This includes verifying requirements such as novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. The examination follows a two-tier system:
- First, applications are examined by designated authorities.
- Then, they are reviewed by the controller to maintain high standards.
Additionally, the Act provides mechanisms for pre-grant opposition by any person and post-grant opposition by interested parties. These safeguards are designed to ensure that only genuine and high-quality patents are granted, protecting the integrity of the IPR system.
This comprehensive approach not only boosts innovation but also reinforces India's position as a global leader in intellectual property creation, driving economic growth and technological advancement.
