India’s IP System in FY 2024–25: A Year of Momentum

India’s intellectual property landscape recorded a notable surge in activity during FY 2024–25, with filings reaching historic highs across patents, designs, trademarks, geographical indications, and copyrights. Total IP applications rose by 19.75 per cent to 749,946, compared to 635,508 in the previous financial year. This sharp increase signals growing confidence among innovators and rights holders in India’s IP framework and its long-term prospects.

This article draws from the Annual Report 2024–25 of the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications, analysing filing trends, processing outcomes, institutional reforms, and India’s evolving position within the global IP ecosystem.

Patent Filings: Strong Domestic Growth with Capacity Pressures

Domestic Applications and Structural Shift

Patent filings reached 110,375 in FY 2024–25, continuing a steady upward trend from 58,503 applications in FY 2020–21 and reflecting a year-on-year increase of 19.75 per cent. A key development was the rise in domestic filings, which grew by 32.23 per cent to 68,201 applications. Indian applicants accounted for 61.79 per cent of total filings, compared to 55.96 per cent in the previous year, marking a clear shift towards domestic innovation leadership.

This growth has been supported by successive amendments to the Patents Rules between 2016 and 2024, which streamlined procedures and reduced compliance burdens, making the patent system more accessible to applicants.

Examination and Grant Trends

While filings increased, examination activity declined sharply from 73,165 cases to 15,726, largely due to the induction and training phase of newly recruited examiners. Patent grants also fell to 33,504 from 103,057 in the previous year, with 10,682 grants issued to Indian applicants. Requests for expedited examination remained prioritised, resulting in 7,154 filings and 3,349 grants under the expedited route.

Designs: The Fastest-Expanding IP Category

Design registrations emerged as the fastest-growing segment, with filings increasing by 41.52 per cent over five years, rising from 14,241 in FY 2020–21 to 43,005 in FY 2024–25. Domestic applicants dominated this category, accounting for approximately 90 per cent of filings, with 38,808 applications originating in India.

This strong domestic presence reflects India’s active design ecosystem, particularly in sectors such as textiles, handicrafts, and consumer products. During the year, 30,349 designs were registered, and 31,923 applications were disposed of.

Examination and Registration Output

Out of the 43,005 design applications filed, 38,009 were examined, with a registration rate of 70.6 per cent, indicating efficient processing relative to other IP categories.

(Source: Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications, Annual Report 2024–25)

Trademarks: High Volumes and Technological Support

Trademark filings continued their steady upward trajectory, increasing from 431,213 applications in FY 2020–21 to 552,190 in FY 2024–25, reflecting year-on-year growth of approximately 16 per cent. Indian applicants accounted for the overwhelming majority, filing 539,132 applications, while foreign applicants filed 13,058.

During the year, the Trademarks Registry examined 156,403 applications, registered 382,834 marks (a 36.86 per cent increase year-on-year), and disposed of 471,719 applications. These figures suggest that the Registry not only managed new filings but also made progress in reducing pendency.

Technology played a significant role in this performance, with cloud migration and the use of AI-driven tools such as the Trademark Search system and the IP Saarthi chatbot enhancing applicant support and internal efficiency.

(Source: Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications, Annual Report 2024–25)

Geographical Indications: Rising Awareness and Participation

Geographical indication filings more than doubled in FY 2024–25, increasing by 105 per cent from 134 to 275 applications. This growth follows a consistent upward trend over the last five years, reflecting increasing awareness of GI protection among producer communities.

Handicrafts and textiles, including well-known regional products, continued to dominate filings, alongside agricultural products. During the year, 212 applications were examined, and 62 geographical indications were registered.

(Source: Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications, Annual Report 2024–25)

Copyrights: Digital Systems Driving Steady Growth

Copyright filings reached 44,095 in FY 2024–25, up from 24,451 in FY 2020–21, maintaining a consistent growth trajectory. Of these, 26,767 registrations of copyright were issued during the year.

Operational improvements included the launch of a redesigned copyright certificate format and further strengthening of the online filing system. Approximately 97 per cent of applications were filed electronically, with facilities for online objections and video hearings. As of 2025, cumulative registrations exceeded 350,000.

Category-wise data shows that literary and dramatic works accounted for 63.6 per cent of registrations, while computer software represented 6.5 per cent. The relatively lower share of software filings may reflect reliance on trade secrets and open-source licensing rather than formal copyright registration.

(Source: Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications, Annual Report 2024–25)

Operational Reforms and Institutional Capacity

Human Resource Expansion and Training

A major operational development was the “Bouddhik Aagman” initiative, under which 407 patent examiners were recruited and enrolled in structured, competency-based training programmes commencing in January 2025. In parallel, the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building framework was expanded to support similar capacity-building objectives.

These measures are expected to translate into improved examination output from the second half of FY 2025–26, once examiners complete training and reach full operational capacity.

International Cooperation and Treaty Engagements

FY 2024–25 also marked 50 years of India’s engagement with the World Intellectual Property Organization. India participated actively in international initiatives, including the adoption of the WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources and participation in the Design Law Treaty. Bilateral engagements with developed economies, emerging markets, and regional partners further reinforced India’s approach to international IP cooperation.

Overall Assessment

FY 2024–25 stands out as a significant year for India’s IP ecosystem. Record filings across all major IP categories point to a sustained shift towards domestic innovation and formal IP protection. Financial performance reflected this maturity, with total revenue increasing to INR 1,449.47 crore against expenditure of INR 295.67 crore.

At the same time, the data highlights transitional challenges, particularly in patent examination and grant volumes. Ongoing digitisation, AI-enabled tools, and large-scale capacity-building initiatives are expected to address these gaps as their impact materialises in the coming years.