INVC NEWS
New Delhi : In light of the rising volume of intellectual property (IP) applications, the Indian Patent Office (IPO) is gearing up to augment its workforce. The decision to hire an additional 900 personnel comes as a strategic move to cater to the surge in patent and trademark filings over the past few years.
A Ten-fold Increase in IP Filings
Rajesh Kumar Singh, the Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), highlighted the exponential growth in the IP domain. Since 2016, there’s been a ten-fold increase in patent submissions and a six-fold escalation in trademark applications. This data was shared by Singh during his address at the National Intellectual Property Conference.
Strengthening the Infrastructure of IPOs
Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the operational efficiency of the IPOs. “We are in the process of adding 900 new posts, and the recruitment activities are already underway,” Singh stated. This move is a testament to the government’s proactive approach in ensuring timely processing and management of the increasing IP applications.
India’s Stand on the Global Innovation Index
The government’s initiatives in the IP domain have borne fruit on the international stage. Singh proudly shared that India has secured the 40th position among 132 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2023 rankings. This ranking, presented by the Geneva-based World Intellectual Property Organization, showcases India’s growing prominence in the global innovation landscape.
However, Singh was quick to add a note of caution, emphasizing the journey ahead. “Although we’ve made significant strides in improving our rankings, there’s much ground to cover,” he remarked.
Conclusion
The Indian Patent Office’s decision to expand its workforce underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation and safeguarding intellectual property rights. With the government’s continued efforts and strategic interventions, India is poised to further cement its position as a global hub for innovation and IP management.
