The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) recently released its World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) 2024 report, highlighting global trends in intellectual property (IP) filings. According to the report, India has achieved significant progress, ranking among the top 10 countries worldwide for patents, trademarks, and industrial designs, with a remarkable 149.4% increase in patents granted in 2023.
India reported the fastest growth in patent applications among top countries, with a remarkable 15.7% increase in 2023. Ranking sixth globally, the country saw a record 64,480 patent filings, marking its fifth year of double-digit growth in this area. Notably, over half (55.2%) of these filings came from Indian residents, demonstrating an increased focus on domestic innovation. The patent office's output also soared, granting 149.4% more patents in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Industrial design filings in India also spiked, rising by 36.4% as sectors like Textiles and Accessories, Tools and Machines, and Health and Cosmetics embraced creative innovation. Between 2018 and 2023, industrial design applications more than doubled, a testament to India’s focus on manufacturing and design-driven sectors. The country’s expanding IP footprint is underscored by its patent-to-GDP ratio, which rose from 144 to 381 in the past decade, showcasing the synergy between IP activity and economic growth.
India’s trademark filings climbed by 6.1% in 2023, ranking the country fourth globally in this category. Nearly 90% of these applications were from Indian residents, with Health, Agriculture, and Clothing industries leading the charge. With over 3.2 million active trademarks, India's trademark office now has the second-largest pool of registrations globally, highlighting its commitment to brand protection and IP rights.
The WIPI 2024 findings underline a broader global trend, with IP filings reaching new heights despite economic challenges. Globally, WIPO reported a record-breaking 3.55 million patent applications in 2023, up by 2.7% from 2022. Much of this growth was fueled by countries in Asia, notably China, the United States, Japan, South Korea, and India.
WIPO’s report highlights India’s transformative steps in IP, driven by government initiatives aimed at positioning the nation as a leader in global innovation.
