Lok Sabha Question No. 293 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-07-22
Subject: Intellectual Property Applications
Ministry: COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Asked by: Shri Arvind Dharmapuri

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 293. TO BE ANSWERED ON TUESDAY, THE 22 ND  JULY, 2025.

## INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY APPLICATIONS

## 293.   SHRI ARVIND DHARMAPURI:

Will the Minister of COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY be pleased to state:

## वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्री

- (a) the details of the total number of Intellectual Property (IP) applications filed by citizens;
- (b) the details of the growth in the number of such applicants during the last five years;
- (c) the steps that the Government is taking to ensure India's growth in terms of innovation and IP filings; and
- (d) whether it is a fact that there has been decline in the number of Geographical Indications (GI) tags issued, if so, the reasons therefor along with list of GI tags issued till date State-wise?

## ANSWER

## वाणिज्य एवं उद्योग मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री ( श्री णिणिन प्रसाद ) THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

- (a) & (b): Details of the total number of IP applications filed in India over the last five years by Indian citizens are provided in the table below:-
-  IP filings in the last five years have increased by 44% , rising from 4,77,533 in 2020-21  to  6,89,991  in  2024-25.  The  highest  growth  was  observed  in Geographical Indications (GI) with a 380% increase, followed by Designs (266% ), Patents ( 180% ), Copyright ( 83% ), Trademarks ( 28%) , and Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Designs (SICLD) with a 20% rise.
- (c): The  Government  has  undertaken  several  initiatives  to  enhance  intellectual property (IP) activities and foster innovation and boost IP filing in India. Details of the major steps are as follows:
1. IP  laws  and  rules  have  been  amended to  streamline  and  simplify  the processing  of  IP  applications,  eliminate  irregularities  and  bottlenecks, enhance the use of IT and digital technologies:

| IP/ FY   | Patents   | Designs   | Trade Marks   | Copyright   |   GI |   SICLD |
|----------|-----------|-----------|---------------|-------------|------|---------|
| 2020-21  | 24,326    | 10,594    | 4,18,594      | 23,957      |   57 |       5 |
| 2021-22  | 29,508    | 19,245    | 4,34,084      | 30,748      |  116 |       2 |
| 2022-23  | 43,301    | 18,170    | 4,53,325      | 29,439      |  210 |       8 |
| 2023-24  | 51,574    | 26,536    | 4,63,108      | 36,710      |  134 |       2 |
| 2024-25  | 68,176    | 38,804    | 5,38,665      | 44,066      |  274 |       6 |

## Patents

-  Timelines have been fixed and streamlined
-  Electronic submission of documents by patent agents has been mandatory.
-  10% less fees for online filing of application and documents
-  Requirements for filing priority documents and Form 27 (statement on the working of patents) have been simplified.
-  The  time  to  submit  request  for  examination  has  been  reduced  to  31 months from 48 months to fast-track the patent examination process.
-  Frequency  to  file  'working  statements  of  patents'  has  been  reduced from  once  in  a  year  to  once  in  every  three  years  to  lessen  the administrative burden and compliance costs on the applicants.
-  The requirements and timelines for providing foreign filing details have been  streamlined  to  simplify  the  patent  application  process,  further reducing processing requirements and costs.
-  The procedure for filing and resolving pre-grant representations has been amended  to  curb  frivolous  opposition  filings  and  promote  genuine submissions. The amended pre-grant opposition procedure now requires a prima facie case for the opposition to proceed. Provisions for expedited examination are extended to applications with pre-grant opposition(s) to compensate for  delays  arising  from  pre-grant  proceedings  and  ensure faster resolution of such cases.
-  Provisions for claiming benefits of Grace Period have been streamlined by incorporating a new form to make it easier for applicants to claim benefits of the grace period.
-  'Certificate  of  Inventorship'  has  been  introduced  to  enhance  patenting ecosystem in India by formally recognizing efforts of the inventors in the patented inventions.
-  10% reduction in the official fee for patent renewal is available if the fees for  at least four years are paid in advance through electronic mode.

## Trade Marks

-  Processing of Trade Mark applications has been simplified and streamlined.
-  74 forms have been replaced with 8 consolidated forms.
-  Process for determination of well-known mark has been laid out.
-  Express  provision  for  filing  applications  for  sound  marks  has  been provided.
-  Procedures  relating  to  registration  as  Registered  User  of  trademarks have been simplified.

## Designs

-  Processing of design applications has been  streamlined.
-  International classification under Locarno Agreement has been adopted.

## Copyright

-  Compliance  requirements  for  the  registration  of  software  have  been reduced.
-  Functioning of copyright societies has been made more accountable and transparent.

## Geographical Indications

-  Procedure for registration of Authorized User has been simplified.

## 2. Significant Fee Concessions have been given to Startups, MSMEs, and Educational Institutions

-  80%  Fee  Reduction  in  Patents  for  Startups,  MSMEs,  and  Educational Institutions;
-  75% Fee Reduction in Designs for Startups, and MSMEs;
-  50% Fees Reduction for Trade Marks filing for Startups and MSMEs

## 3.       Provisions for Expedited Examination have been introduced

-  Provision of Expedited  Examination  of  Patent application  has  been introduced  for  Startups,  MSMEs,  Female  Applicants,  and  Government Institutions/ Departments/ PSUs, applicants electing India an authority for international applications etc. under Rule 24(C) of Patents rules, 2003 (as amended).
-  Provision of Expedited Examination of Trade Mark applications is applicable to all category of the applicants
4. The ' Certificate of Inventorship' has been introduced in Patents to formally recognize the contributions of inventors in patented inventions and to incentivize innovation.

## 5. Modernization of IP Offices

- a. IP Offices have been digitized and made online to make the system more compact, time bound, transparent and easier to use by applicants as well as Examiners and Registrars/ Controllers. Comprehensive E-Filing System has been introduced for  the online filing and submission of Patent, Design, and Trade Mark applications and documents . Applicants no longer need to visit the IP office for filling and processing of their applications, with more than 95% of Patent and Trademark applications now filed online.

## General features of Online Filing & Processing System:

-  24x7 accessibility
-  Secure and user-friendly interface for filing IP applications
-  Availability of both e-Sign and Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) options
-  Real-time status tracking of applications
-  All major communications are made through auto generated e-mails
-  Certificates of grant of  patents  are  delivered  online  and  can  also  be downloaded online.
-  Applicants  can  attend  hearing  via  video  conferencing,  thereby  avoiding physical appearance before the officers handling their applications.
-  Examination  of  the  applications  in  the  office  is  also  handled  via  an  eprocessing system
-  SMS Alert Facility
- b.  The IP  Office  website has  been  redesigned  to  improve  contents  and  ease  of access and make it more interactive, informative and easy to navigate. IP data on real-time basis has been made available on the website in respect of filing and processing of IP applications. The website provides login-free Search facility for hassle-free dissemination of IP information to stakeholders.

## c. IP Dashboard Access and Features

A  publicly  accessible  IP  Dashboard  has  been  introduced  to  provide  real-  time comprehensive data on various  categories of  Intellectual  Property  applications, including Patents, Designs, Trade Marks, Copyrights, and Geographical Indications.  The  dashboard  can  be  accessed  via  the official website at ipindia.gov.in/dashboard. A quick-access link to the dashboard is also available on the website's homepage for user convenience.

- d. AI-powered  Trademark  Search  Technology :  Artificial  Intelligence  (AI)  and Machine Learning (ML) based Trademark Search Technology has been introduced for a more efficient and accurate examination and faster disposal of Trade Mark applications.
- e.  IP Sarthi Chatbot: A digital assistant has been designed to provide instant support and  guidance  to  users  navigating  the  IP  registration  processes. Indian  small businesses can get instant help regarding IPR by asking answers of the questions on the Chatbot.
- f. 'WIPO IP Diagnostics - Indian Adaptation' ,  a  self-assessment tool, has been designed  to  enable  small  businesses  to  conduct  a  self-assessment  of  their intellectual property (IP) assets, providing guidance tailored to the Indian IP laws and  procedures  and  enriched  with  local  examples.  By  answering  targeted questions,  Indian  small  businesses  can  generate  customized  reports  that  offer insights into how India's IP system can support their strategic business objectives. For wider coverage, the tool has been made available multiple languages, English, Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, and Urdu.
6.  National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM) - The  Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM) implements the  National  Intellectual  Property  Awareness  Mission  (NIPAM)  to  conduct  IP awareness programs in educational institutions. Launched in  2021, the mission aimed to educate 1 million students as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating 75 years of India's Independence. So far, about 9500 IP awareness programs have been conducted across all 28 states and 8 Union Territories, reaching over 25 lakh students and faculty.
7. National Intellectual Property (IP) Awards are conferred every year to recognize and reward the top achievers comprising individuals, institutions, organizations and

enterprises, for  their  IP  creations  and  commercialization,  in  order  to  encourage creativity and innovation in the country.

## 8. IPR Internship Programme

With  the  aim  of  contributing  to  the  fulfillment  of  the  objectives  outlined  in  the National IPR Policy , the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade  Marks  (CGPDTM)  has  recently started  four  week  IPR  Internship Programme for students, research scholars, and professionals.

9. SIPP  Scheme: SIPP  Scheme:  The  Start-Ups  Intellectual  Property  Protection (SIPP) scheme was launched in 2016 to provide pro bono facilitation to startups for the filing and processing of patent, trademark, and design applications.  Under this  scheme,  the  Office  of  the  Controller  General  of Patents,  Designs  &  Trade Marks  (CGPDTM)  bears  the  professional  fees payable to facilitators. Its scope was also expanded to benefit Indian educational institutions using TISC services. Additionally, it now covers the filing of international patent applications filed in India.

## 10. Manpower Augmentation

Manpower in IP Office has been augmented by multiple times to ensure timely and quality service to the stakeholder.

- a.  Sanctioned strength of the Patent Office has increased by 233%, from 431 in 2014 to 1,433 in 2024. Similarly, the working manpower has grown by 196%, from 281 in 2014 to 833 in 2024.
- b.  Similarly, 200 additional posts have been sanctioned in 2025 in Trade Marks, GI, and Copyright, making a 74% increase in the sanctioned strength.
11. Robust Grievance Redressal Mechanism : The IP Office has robust Redressal Mechanism which has been further strengthened to ensure the prompt, fair, and transparent resolution of complaints and concerns. Daily Open House Conference has been started to enable direct daily communication of stakeholders with senior officers to provide timely solutions to their problems and Open House IT Helpdesk has  been  created  as  a  single-  window  platform  to  swiftly  address  queries  and grievances across all key areas of Intellectual Property.
4. (d): From 2004 to 2025, the registration of Geographical Indication (GI) applications in India  exhibited  a  gradual  increase,  with  domestic  applications  constituting  the majority. Initial years showed a low registration trend, followed by steady growth and stabilization between 2010 and 2019, averaging around 20-30 applications annually. The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in GI registrations during 2020-21.  However,  this was  promptly  followed by a significant surge in applications from 2022 onwards, peaking 160 applications in 2023-24 the highest recorded in a year.

This overall trend reflects growing awareness and emphasis on protecting local products  through  GI  registration.  The  increasing  domestic  engagement  with  GI protections is likely driven by government initiatives and greater recognition of the economic and cultural value of GIs.

Total Geographical Indications Registered as on Date: 697

State-wise Number of GI tags issued till date: List attached as Annexure.

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## ANNEXURE

## ANNEXURE  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  PART  (d)  OF  THE  LOK  SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 293 FOR ANSWER ON 22 ND     JULY, 2025. Year wise Registered GI Applications as on date

| Financial Years   |   Indian Applications |   Foreign Applications |   No of Applications |
|-------------------|-----------------------|------------------------|----------------------|
| 2004 - 2005       |                    03 |                     00 |                   03 |
| 2005 - 2006       |                    24 |                     00 |                   24 |
| 2006 - 2007       |                    03 |                     00 |                   03 |
| 2007 - 2008       |                    31 |                     00 |                   31 |
| 2008 - 2009       |                    45 |                     00 |                   45 |
| 2009 - 2010       |                    13 |                     01 |                   14 |
| 2010 - 2011       |                    25 |                     04 |                   29 |
| 2011 - 2012       |                    20 |                     03 |                   23 |
| 2012 - 2013       |                    20 |                     01 |                   21 |
| 2013 - 2014       |                    22 |                     00 |                   22 |
| 2014 - 2015       |                    20 |                     00 |                   20 |
| 2015 - 2016       |                    26 |                     00 |                   26 |
| 2016 - 2017       |                    31 |                     02 |                   33 |
| 2017 - 2018       |                    24 |                     02 |                   26 |
| 2018 - 2019       |                    22 |                     01 |                   23 |
| 2019 - 2020       |                    21 |                     01 |                   22 |
| 2020 - 2021       |                    05 |                     00 |                   05 |
| 2021 - 2022       |                    36 |                     14 |                   50 |
| 2022 - 2023       |                    50 |                     05 |                   55 |
| 2023 - 2024       |                   157 |                     03 |                  160 |
| 2024 - 2025       |                    60 |                     02 |                   62 |
| Totals            |                   658 |                     39 |                  697 |

Goods wise Registered GI Applications as on date

| SL. No   | Goods        |   No of Applications |
|----------|--------------|----------------------|
| 1        | Handicraft   |                  366 |
| 2        | Agricultural |                  218 |
| 3        | Manufactured |                   54 |
| 4        | Food Stuff   |                   56 |
| 5        | Natural      |                   03 |
| Totals   | Totals       |                  697 |

Goods wise Registered GI Applications Indian & Foreign as on date

| SL. No   | Goods        |   Indian Applications |   Foreign Applications |   Total Applications |
|----------|--------------|-----------------------|------------------------|----------------------|
| 1        | Handicraft   |                   365 |                     01 |                  366 |
| 2        | Agricultural |                   218 |                     00 |                  218 |
| 3        | Manufactured |                    22 |                     32 |                   54 |
| 4        | Food Stuff   |                    50 |                     06 |                   56 |
| 5        | Natural      |                    03 |                     00 |                   03 |
|          | Totals       |                   658 |                     39 |                  697 |

State wise - Details of GI Applications Registered as on date

| SL No.   | State                      |   Registered |
|----------|----------------------------|--------------|
| 1        | Andaman & Nicobar (UT)     |            7 |
| 2        | Andhra Pradesh             |           19 |
| 3        | Arunachal Pradesh          |           19 |
| 4        | Assam                      |           40 |
| 5        | Bihar                      |           16 |
| 6        | Chandigarh                 |            0 |
| 7        | Chattisgarh                |            7 |
| 8        | Goa                        |           10 |
| 9        | Gujarat                    |           28 |
| 10       | Haryana                    |            0 |
| 11       | Himachal Pradesh           |           10 |
| 12       | Jammu & Kashmir            |           24 |
| 13       | Jharkhand                  |            1 |
| 14       | Karnataka                  |           45 |
| 15       | Kerala                     |           37 |
| 16       | Ladakh (UT)                |            4 |
| 17       | Lakshadweep (UT)           |            0 |
| 18       | Madhya Pradesh             |           21 |
| 19       | Maharashtra                |           52 |
| 20       | Manipur                    |            6 |
| 21       | Meghalaya                  |            8 |
| 22       | Mizoram                    |            7 |
| 23       | Nagaland                   |            4 |
| 24       | Odisha                     |           26 |
| 25       | Pondicherry                |            2 |
| 26       | Punjab                     |            0 |
| 27       | Rajasthan                  |           20 |
| 28       | Sikkim                     |            1 |
| 29       | Tamil Nadu                 |           69 |
| 30       | Telangana                  |           18 |
| 31       | Tripura                    |            4 |
| 32       | Uttar Pradesh              |           76 |
| 33       | Uttarakhand                |           26 |
| 34       | West Bengal                |           34 |
| 35       | Dadra and Nagar Haveli     |            0 |
| 36       | India (In Multiple States) |           17 |
| 37       | Foreign                    |           39 |
|          | Totals                     |          697 |

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