Patent Applications in India Jump 30.2% in FY 2025-26, Marking Historic High

The major boost for the India’s innovation system as the patent application filings have surged by 30.2% to 1,43,729 in FY 2025-26 according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. This filing is the historic high and reflecting the the country’s  growing focus on research, innovation and intellectual property rights (IPR).

India Emerges as a Global Innovation Player

India is now ranked as the 6th largest patent filer in the world showcasing the rapid progress in technology and innovation.

The main notable feature of this growth is that over 69% of the patent filings are from the domestic applicants. This signals the the shift from the dependence on foreign innovations to  ‘Invented in India’.

Also the states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra have emerged as the leading contributors which is driven by the industries and research

Consistent Growth Since 2016

India’s patent filings have shown the steady upward growth over the years and showcased the sustained policy support and innovation culture.

Key growth trend of India’s last couple of years are,

• 2016-17: 45,444 applications
• 2021-22: 66,440 applications
• 2023-24: 92,163 applications
• 2025-26: 1,43,729 applications

Government Initiatives For The Patent Growth

The surge in the patent filings are largely attributed to the proactive steps taken by the government to strengthen the IPR ecosystem.

Key initiatives include the,

• Reduced the patent filing fees for startups, MSMEs and educational institutions
• Also express the examination process for faster approvals
• And the main pro bono support for startups in filing patents, trademarks and designs

Patent Grant Process India

The Patent applications in India are governed by the Patents Act, 1970 and which is ensuring that only genuine innovations are granted protection.

The process includes the,

• Examination for the novelty, inventive step and the industrial applicability
• The two-tier review system by the examiners and controllers
• Also the provision for pre-grant and post-grant opposition