India's Documented Inventions Dynamics: An Analysis of Recent Patent Submissions
In the 2021-22 fiscal year, the Indian Patent Office experienced a substantial increase in patent filings, examinations, and disposals, marking a consistent growth trend in the country's intellectual property (IP) ecosystem. According to the IP India Annual Report and the Nasscom report, this growth has been observed over the last five years.
One of the most notable developments is the significant rise in patent applications filed by foreign applicants. The number of such applications increased by 8.06% compared to the previous year, with the majority of these applications being filed through the PCT National Phase route. In fact, the growth rate of patent filings by foreign applicants through the PCT route in the fiscal year 2021-22 is particularly significant, with a rise of approximately 10.9%.
This trend indicates a steady rise in foreign interest in securing intellectual property rights in India, underlining India's expanding importance as an innovation destination and a market for international businesses. Despite India’s overall lower volume of international patent filings compared to countries like China, this growth aligns with India's broader economic advancements and governmental support measures aimed at fostering innovation and foreign investment.
The increase in patent filings has encouraged the patent office to take necessary measures and initiatives for quicker examinations, grants, and disposals. The total number of patents granted in the 2021-22 fiscal year was approximately 6% more than those granted in the 2020-21 fiscal year.
Moreover, the provisional data suggests that the percentage of Emerging Technology Patents in the Total Technology Patents in India increased to about 73% in 2022. IoT and AI account for over 50% of the Emerging Technology patents filed over 2010-2022. The Emerging Technology Patents, including AI - Neural Networks, Computer Vision, Big Data, Block chain, Pattern Matching and Image Analysis, Cloud, Edge & Real Time Processing, Cyber Security, IoT - Building/Factory Automation, Smart Wearables, Connected Healthcare and Vehicles, ADAS, Electric and Hybrid Vehicles, Autonomous Driving, Ride Sharing/Traffic Control, Telecommunication, Semiconductors & Nanotechnology, account for major patent filings in FY-2022.
This growth in the patent office's activities is due to the increase in the filing of patent applications. As India's economy continues to grow rapidly, the country is poised to become an increasingly attractive destination for businesses seeking to protect their intellectual property rights.
The surge in patent filings by foreign applicants, particularly through the PCT National Phase route, underscores India's rising importance as a destination for innovation and a market for international businesses, demonstrating the potential for technology collaboration and education-and-self-development in these fields. The significant increase in Emerging Technology Patents, such as AI, IoT, and Big Data, further highlights the country's emphasis on fostering innovation and attracting foreign investment.
