India’s patent filings surge 30% to record 1.43 lakh in FY26

Government attributes growth to stronger intellectual property ecosystem, rising domestic innovation, and increasing participation from startups, MSMEs, and academic institutions across key states.

India has witnessed a significant jump in intellectual property activity, with patent applications rising by 30.2 per cent to 1,43,729 in FY 2025–26, compared to 1,10,375 in the previous fiscal year. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the development, crediting sustained policy reforms and efforts to strengthen the country’s intellectual property rights (IPR) ecosystem.

India is now the world’s sixth-largest patent filer, reflecting a steady rise in innovation-led growth and domestic research activity. According to Goyal, more than 69 per cent of the total filings in FY26 came from Indian applicants, underscoring the growing strength of homegrown innovation. States such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra led the contribution, reinforcing their position as key innovation hubs.

Steady growth in patent ecosystem since 2016–17

India’s patent filing trajectory has shown consistent upward momentum over the past decade. From 45,444 applications in 2016–17, filings have steadily increased year-on-year, reaching 92,163 in 2023–24 before crossing the 1.4 lakh mark in FY26. This sustained growth highlights the expanding innovation ecosystem supported by government reforms and industry participation.

The government has implemented multiple initiatives to encourage innovation, particularly among startups, MSMEs, and academic institutions. These include reduced filing fees for startups and small entities, faster examination processes, and dedicated support mechanisms to facilitate patent, trademark, and design registrations for emerging businesses.

Stronger IPR framework driving innovation

Authorities noted that patent applications in India undergo strict substantive examination to ensure compliance with legal requirements such as novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability under the Patents Act, 1970. A two-stage review system is followed, where applications are first examined and then reviewed by the Controller General.

The framework also includes provisions for pre-grant and post-grant opposition, ensuring transparency and quality control in approvals. Officials said these safeguards are essential to maintaining the credibility of India’s patent system while encouraging genuine innovation.

With rising participation from domestic innovators and continued policy support, India’s patent landscape is expected to strengthen further, reinforcing the country’s position as a growing global hub for research, development, and intellectual property creation.