There are more foreigners than Indians receiving patents in India, prompting the government to say “much needs to be done to encourage more domestic innovations”.
The number of patents granted to Indian applicants has steadily decreased from a high of 41 per cent in 2002-03 to a low of 17 per cent in 2009-10, according to an Industry Ministry document.
It further said, “The percentage has fallen secularly between 2005-06 and 2008-09.” The proportion of patents granted to Indians vis-a-vis foreigners showed a drastic drop from 28 per cent in 2009-10 to 17 per cent in 2010-11.
In 2010-11, of the total 7,486 patents granted, Indians could claim only 1,272. On the other hand, foreigners walked away with 6,214 patents.
Japan gave a maximum number of 1,93,449 patents in 2009 followed by the US (1,35,193), China (1,28,489). India granted only 6,168 patents during the year.
