India's Patent Filings Surge: A 30.2% Increase in 2025-26!
Significant Growth in Patent Applications
New Delhi: The number of patent applications filed in India has seen a remarkable rise of 30.2%, reaching 143,729 in the fiscal year 2025-26, compared to 110,375 in the previous year. This surge is attributed to various government initiatives aimed at enhancing the intellectual property rights framework, as stated by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday.
India ranks as the sixth largest patent filer globally.
In a social media update, Goyal highlighted, "Our patent filings have reached an unprecedented 1.43 lakh+ in FY 2025-26, reflecting a 30.2% increase from last year. With over 69% of these patents filed domestically, primarily from innovators in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, we are demonstrating that 'Made in India' is driven by 'Invented in India.'"
Since 2016-17, patent filings have shown a consistent upward trend, starting from 45,444. The numbers have progressively increased to 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, and 92,163 in 2023-24.
To bolster the patent ecosystem, the government has implemented several measures targeting startups, MSMEs, and educational institutions.
These initiatives include reduced fees for startups and small entities, expedited examination processes for patent applications, and pro bono assistance for Indian startups in filing and processing patents, trademarks, and design applications.
Patents are granted only after a thorough examination to ensure they meet the criteria of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability as outlined in the Patents Act of 1970.
The examination process operates on a two-tier system, where applications are first examined and then reviewed by the controller.
Additionally, the Act allows for pre-grant opposition by any individual and post-grant opposition by interested parties, ensuring that only authentic and high-quality patents are awarded.