India Strengthens IP Ecosystem to Drive Innovation and Growth

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal, highlighted the importance of innovation in India’s development at the National Intellectual Property (IP) Awards 2024. The event, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, recognized outstanding contributions in intellectual property creation and commercialization. The awards aim to strengthen India’s IP framework and encourage innovation across various sectors.

Goyal emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering research, technology, and IP protection through legislative changes and administrative reforms. He stated, “Innovation has always been in our DNA. As we progress towards a Viksit Bharat, research and technology will define our future.” He noted India’s rich history of innovation, referencing the invention of ‘zero’ and the origins of chess in Indian tradition.

The Minister stressed that research and development (R&D) is essential for India’s transformation into a technology powerhouse. He highlighted the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF), which will facilitate collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia to boost scientific innovation. The NRF aims to strengthen India’s research ecosystem and drive technological advancements.

Goyal shared India’s remarkable progress in the Global Innovation Index, where the country has risen from 81st position in 2015 to 39th place in the latest rankings. He also noted that India now ranks among the top six nations in trademark filings, with nearly 100,000 patents granted last year. To encourage greater participation, the government has reduced IP-related fees by 80% for women entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs.

Several digital initiatives have been introduced to streamline trademark applications and patent processes. The recruitment of 400 new patent examiners will accelerate patent approvals, ensuring faster protection of innovations. Additionally, a new state-of-the-art IP office in Dwarka, New Delhi, will accommodate over 750 officers, enhancing the efficiency of the IP framework.

Goyal called for judicial support to strengthen India’s IP protection system. He proposed the establishment of specialized IP benches in High Courts and an internship program for young law students to familiarize them with intellectual property laws. He also advocated for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in trademark searches and IP enforcement to improve accuracy and efficiency.

The Minister stressed the importance of stronger copyright protection measures to safeguard the interests of innovators and businesses. He also praised initiatives like Atal Tinkering Labs, which encourage innovation at the grassroots level by engaging schoolchildren in scientific experimentation.

The National Intellectual Property Awards 2024 recognized achievements across 13 categories, including top individual innovators, academic institutions, research organizations, and startups. Special citations were awarded to institutions supporting technology development and IP management. Additionally, the awards were linked with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Awards, ensuring global recognition for India’s innovation leaders.

Goyal concluded by quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “The significance of science is not only in invention and development but also in fulfilling the aspirations of the last person. Scientific progress must support our efforts toward inclusive development.”

India’s growing focus on intellectual property rights, technological innovation, and research is set to drive economic progress and strengthen the nation’s position as a global innovation hub.

Source: PIB