Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) was awarded National Intellectual Property (IP) Award 2024 in Indian Academic Institution – Patents category, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in innovation and intellectual property. The awards were organized by Ministry of Commerce & Industry to honor significant contributions in IP creation and commercialization.
Additionally, IIT Kanpur was also recognized with WIPO National Award for WIPO Users, an honor given to early adopters and innovative users of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) IP services.
Key Highlights of IIT-K’s Achievement
Highest Patent Filings & Grants:
- In 2024, IIT Kanpur recorded the highest number of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) filed in a single year, maintaining its leading position for the fourth consecutive year.
- IIT Kanpur has filed a total of 1,229 IPRs and received 860 granted patents.
- The institute has an exceptional technology licensing rate of 12.91%, demonstrating its commitment to translating innovation into commercialization.
Recognition at WIPO Awards:
- The WIPO IP Enterprises Trophy was awarded to companies such as Jio Platforms Limited and Tata Steel Limited, underscoring India’s leadership in leveraging intellectual property for business growth.
Linking of National IP Awards with WIPO Awards
The National IP Awards are linked with WIPO’s global recognition initiatives, including:
- WIPO National Award for Inventors – Recognizing inventors contributing to national development.
- WIPO National Award for Enterprises – Encouraging businesses, including MSMEs, to integrate IP into their operations.
- WIPO National Award for WIPO Users – Honoring institutions and individuals using WIPO’s services innovatively.
Government’s Role in Strengthening India’s IP Framework
Policy & Institutional Support:
- The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) fosters collaboration between the government, private sector, and academia to boost innovation.
- Digital interventions have streamlined trademark applications and patent processes for greater efficiency.
- Judicial reforms include proposals for specialized IP benches in High Courts and internships for law students to engage with the IP ecosystem.
Increased Patent Examiners & Faster Processing:
- 400 new patent examiners are undergoing training to expedite the patent approval process.
- A new IP office building in Dwarka, housing 750 officers, will further improve efficiency in processing patent applications.
Support for Startups & Women Entrepreneurs:
- 80% fee reduction for women entrepreneurs, startups, and MSMEs to encourage IP filings.
Key Achievements & Reforms in India’s IP Landscape
Rise in Global Innovation Index: India improved its ranking from 81st in 2015 to 39th in 2024.
Growth in Patent & Trademark Filings: India now ranks 6th globally in trademark filings, with nearly 100,000 patents granted last year.
About National Intellectual Property (IP) Awards
- Organized by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- Recognizes individuals, institutions, and enterprises that significantly contribute to IP creation and commercialization in India.
- Encourages an IP-driven innovation ecosystem by promoting effective IP portfolio management.
- Awards presented across 13 categories, covering patents, designs, and other IP achievements in academia, businesses, and MSMEs.