Qualcomm and Samsung Drive India’s Patent Filing Surge

India’s innovation ecosystem has been on a remarkable growth trajectory, as evidenced by its impressive climb in the Global Innovation Index (GII) and a significant surge in patent filings. India secured the 40th position in the latest GII 2023, showcasing a remarkable climb from the 81th spot in 2015. This upswing not only reflects the country’s thriving intellectual capital but also its commitment to becoming a global hub for technological advancements. In this article, we delve into the statistics that paint a vivid picture of India’s patent landscape, offering insights into the trends, key players, and future potential of innovation in the subcontinent.

To better understand IP trends in India, we have considered a patent applications filed since 2014, which includes both active and inactive filings including design patents and attempted to delve deeper into the data based on Dolcera PCS.

How is the IP filing trend in India?

Over the past decade, India has witnessed a consistent increase in patent filings, indicating a robust and dynamic environment for innovation. From 2014 to 2022 there was a peak rise of closely 60%, the numbers underscore a growing recognition of the importance of intellectual property rights among businesses and individuals alike. The decrease in filing activity observed in 2023 and 2024 can be attributed to the dark window period during which patents are not published.

Indian Patent Progression – From Published to Granted Status:

A detailed analysis of the patent activity reveals that the number of published patent applications and granted patents has been on an upward trend, with 56% of patents published and 44% granted. This suggests an increasing engagement with the patent system and a maturing process of patent examination and grant in India.

Key Players in the Patent Arena:

The dominance of technology giants such as Qualcomm, Samsung, and Huawei highlights the competitive nature of the telecommunications and electronics sectors. Indian academic institutions like the IIT Council and Lovely Professional University also make a significant mark emphasizing the role of academia in driving innovation.

Top Technologies:

The sectoral analysis indicates a strong leaning towards telecommunications, electronics, and information technology, reflecting India’s strategic focus on these high-growth industries. The rapid growth in patent filings in these areas may be driven by advancements in Mobile technology, Audio and Video applications, Digital infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). The most frequently filed patents cover a variety of technologies which are mentioned in patents.

Conclusion:

The statistics presented offer a clear indication that India is on an upward trajectory in terms of innovation and intellectual property creation. The consistent increase in patent filings, along with the active participation of both global corporations and Indian entities, points to a future ripe with technological advancements. To sustain this momentum, India must continue to invest in research and development, streamline its patent processes, and foster an environment that encourages innovation across all sectors. The rise in innovation is likely driven by increased R&D investments, government initiatives to promote intellectual property, and a growing start-up ecosystem. As India continues to prioritize innovation, it is poised to solidify its position as a leader in the global knowledge economy.