Press Release

Startups & MSMEs have filed 310% more patents in the last five years: JC, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks.

Startups & MSMEs have filed 310% more patents in the last five years: JC, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks.

Patent filling by startups and MSMEs have increased by 310% in last 5 years from 1492 in 2018-19 to 6120 in 2023-24. In 2023-24 more than 30% patent applications have been filed by educational institute, said Mr. N. Ramchander, Joint Controller, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks at ASSOCHAM event.

In less than 3 years over 2.4 million students and faculty across India have been educated about IP rights through the National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) launched in 2021, Mr. N. Ramchander, Joint Controller, Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks, DPIIT stated at 3rd Global IP Leadership Conference Building a Robust IP Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat organised by ASSOCHAM today.

He further said that Indian patent office along with WIPO has conducted six roving seminars in Chennai, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Delhi PCT system of filling patents and Madrid system of trademarks in the month of March 2025.

The filling of patent applications in India has surged by 116% rising from 42,763 in 2014-15 to 92,172 in 2023-24. Patent grants have been an even more remarkable increase of 1,624%, jumping from 5,978 in 2014-15 to 103,057 in 2023-24. India has seen biggest change in resident and non-resident distribution over past 10 years with the share of resident filling increasing from 24.8% in 2013 to 60% in 2024, added Mr. N. Ramchander.

India’s IPR policy has provided a comprehensive framework for IP creation, protection and commercialization but continues evaluation and updating are necessary. Opportunities for startups to benefit from the government’s initiatives to make IP filling easier and more affordable. Geographical Indications (GI) in promoting Indian products in global markets, including traditional and handicraft products.

The patents rules have been amended in 2024 on order to further simplify and streamline the patent procedure and create conducive environment for innovation and protection of Intellectual Property (IP) in India. Also, certification of inventorship has been introduced to enhanced patenting ecosystem in India by formally recognizing efforts of the inventors in the patented inventions. Frequency to file ‘working statements of patents’ has been reduced from once in a year to once in every three years to lessen the administrative burden on applicants and reduce compliance costs.

There are 10% reduction in the official fee for patent renewed is available if the fees for at least four years are paid in advance through electronic mode. Reduction in search fees of India as international searching authority for applicants falling under category of small entity, startups and educational institutions.

IP cost has been significantly reduced for certain category of applicants. About 80% reduction in patent fees for startups, SME’s and educational institutes. 75% reductions in design fees for startups and SMEs and 50% in trademark fees for startups and SMEs. Additionally, under SIPP scheme, startups individuals and educational Institutes may avail benefit of 100% waiver on IP attorney fees for patent, trademark and design filling and processing.

Dr. Abhay Jere, Chief Innovation Officer, Ministry of HRD & Vice Chairman, AICTE, Govt. of India emphasized that India’s true strength lies not only in its premier institutes like IITs and IIMs but also in the immense potential of students from Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities and AICTE will also play a key role.  He pointed out that many talented individuals don’t file patents simply because there’s a lack of supportive ecosystem around them.

Highlighting India’s growing influence, he remarked that the country is now delivering engineering education to the world, and engineers will play a pivotal role in achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.

Ms Shilpi Jha, Senior Intellectual Property Policy Advisor for South Asia, U.S. Embassy, New Delh emphasized that Intellectual Property (IP) is a vital pillar for a Viksit Bharat. Having worked closely with the Indian government over the years, she recalled how, not long ago, IP offices in the country were chaotic and inefficient. Back then, IP was rarely discussed as part of a broader ecosystem or growth strategy.

The early days were tough navigating the challenges of building an IP culture in India wasn’t easy. But things began to change with policy reforms and government initiatives, she further added. She described this as a “policy awakening phase,” which laid the groundwork for a more structured and proactive IP environment.

Mr. NAKANO Hiroyuki, Senior Director & Regional Intellectual Property Attaché for South Asia, JETRO highlighted India’s incredible growth journey, which continues to capture the world’s attention. Most importantly, he spoke about the strong and growing partnership between India and Japan—built on mutual trust, shared knowledge, and long-term investments in each other’s future.