Trademarks play a crucial role in shaping brand identities and driving economic growth, yet their broader impact often goes unnoticed. As India’s trademark filings have surged by 133% from FY 2013-14 to FY 2021-23, they reflect not only the country’s expanding intellectual property (IP) ecosystem but also its evolving economy. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), India now ranks fourth globally in trademark filings, a testament to its growing emphasis on brand protection and innovation.
In an exclusive conversation, Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit, Controller General of Designs, Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, and Geographical Indications (GI), Government of India, shares his insights on the economic contribution of trademarks, the challenges of infringement and counterfeiting, and how India can strengthen its IP framework to emerge as a global leader.
The Growing Importance of Trademarks in India’s Economy
Trademark filings and grants in India have seen a remarkable rise over the last decade, reflecting the growing recognition of intellectual property’s role in shaping businesses. In 2014, India had around 51,000 trademark grants; by 2024, this number had surged to 4,58,000,an almost 800% increase. Similarly, trademark filings have grown from 2,06,000 in 2014 to 5,26,000 in 2024, marking a 154% rise.
Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit highlights how this growth aligns with India's broader economic expansion. "If we see the economic growth between 2014 and 2024, it has significantly increased. Brand-building and creating a strong position for products and services have played a major role in business dominance. Many well-known brands have created a unique niche, while several small startups have now become iconic," he says.
A striking example is India’s startup ecosystem. In 2014, Startup India was unheard of; today, it is a brand in itself, contributing to India's position as the third-largest startup ecosystem. Similarly, initiatives like UPI and BHIM have not only established their presence but have also deeply penetrated the financial market, demonstrating the power of brand-building. "This is the story of how trademarks help businesses gain market recognition, establish commercial potential, and achieve sustained growth," Prof. Pandit notes.
Brand-Building and India’s Global Innovation Standing
India’s trademark filings have surged in recent years, reflecting the country’s growing recognition of intellectual property as a critical driver of business and economic expansion. This trend is particularly evident in the healthcare and agriculture sectors, where brand-building has intensified due to increasing competition and specialization. Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit highlights the unique challenges in the healthcare industry, noting that "the field is already crowded with applications, and every new brand name must be coined in a way that doctors can easily recall while prescribing drugs. This single factor has a huge impact on pharma marketing."
Beyond healthcare, the strategic use of branding extends across industries, with both generic and niche brands shaping market dynamics. "Each product builds its own nation, just like Reliance and Tata. These are umbrella brands with multiple successful trademarks under them," explains Prof. Pandit. Taglines and even sounds play an essential role in brand recall, when people hear ‘The Taste of India,’ they immediately think of Amul. This highlights how trademarks contribute to brand identity and consumer trust.
With India rapidly emerging as a major player in the global trademark ecosystem, its filings are now among the top three in the world under WIPO. Prof. Pandit believes this trajectory will only strengthen as India progresses from a $3 trillion economy to a $5 trillion economy, ultimately working toward the Viksit Bharat vision of a $30 trillion economy. "The role of trademarks and intellectual property is crucial in this journey," he emphasizes. "These assets must be protected before they can be commercially utilized. Wherever infringement occurs, India has a strong remedial system in place to ensure effective protection, further strengthening the business ecosystem and contributing to innovation-driven growth."
The Role of Non-Resident Filings in India’s IP Landscape
India’s trademark ecosystem is largely driven by domestic filings, with non-resident trademark applications still accounting for less than 10% of total filings. This trend, as Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit explains, is a natural outcome of India’s economy being predominantly shaped by local businesses and industries. "The demand for products within the country is always high, and imported brands looking to establish themselves in India must carve out their own space," he notes.
Foreign brands in sectors like telecommunications, such as Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi have successfully entered the Indian market, either through direct imports or local manufacturing. However, Indian brands remain highly competitive. "In the jewellry sector, brands like Tanishq and Zoya are dominant. In the dairy industry, Amul and Mother Dairy have created a strong market presence. These brands operate through clusters and hold significant market share," says Prof. Pandit. For any foreign company entering India, the challenge is to compete with these well-established names.
With government initiatives like Make in India, non-resident trademark filings are expected to grow, as foreign companies set up manufacturing and business operations within India. However, Prof. Pandit believes this increase will be gradual: "Over time, non-resident filings will rise, but I do not see them surpassing the domestic market, at least not in the next few years."
Strengthening Trademark Enforcement and Awareness in India
Trademark infringement in India is driven not just by a lack of awareness but also by the temptation to capitalize on an established brand’s success. As Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit explains, "Riding on someone else's success is often seen as a shortcut, but intellectual property must be respected to maintain commercial trust and faith in the market." Consumers prefer authentic products from original brand owners, and a strong trademark enforcement system is essential to uphold this trust.
India has robust legal mechanisms to combat trademark violations. Section 115 of the Trademarks Act ensures swift action against infringement, mandating a response from the Trademark Office within 10 days of receiving a query from the Commercial Wing DSP of the respective state. In practice, action is often taken even faster. Additionally, state Home Ministry DSP-level officers are empowered to conduct search and seizure operations against infringers. These enforcement efforts have played a crucial role in maintaining brand integrity and protecting consumers from counterfeit or substandard goods.
Despite these protections, awareness about intellectual property rights remains uneven, especially in smaller cities and towns. However, Prof. Pandit believes that even in regions where formal IP knowledge is limited, brand trust remains strong: "People in these areas have a natural preference for original brands. They recognize and respect authenticity, which influences their purchasing decisions." As India's economy continues to expand, increasing IP awareness, especially in emerging markets, will be key to strengthening brand protection and ensuring fair competition.
Addressing Counterfeit Concerns in India's Market
India has consistently been placed on the USTR Special 301 Report watch list, with counterfeit products being cited as a major concern. However, Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit challenges this characterization, arguing that India’s market dynamics differ significantly from those of the United States. "India is a vast market with a consumer base that cannot be directly compared to the US. The price optimization that has taken place in India makes it difficult to equate products available in both markets," he explains.
Counterfeiting is particularly challenging in high-value sectors, especially where niche technology is involved. Imported products with high technological value are far less likely to be counterfeited, as Indian consumers are vigilant and prefer authentic goods. Additionally, companies operating in India actively safeguard their brands and distribution networks to prevent counterfeits from entering the market.
While counterfeit goods may exist in certain segments, Prof. Pandit believes that it is unfair to generalize this issue across India’s diverse economy.
Digital Transformation and AI Integration in India’s IP Office
The Indian IP Office has undergone significant digital transformation, incorporating technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit emphasizes the necessity of digitization, stating, “Wherever digital intervention can help streamline operations, we should be doing this.” The shift towards a technology-driven IP system has been a response to past challenges, including serious failures in IT systems, particularly the trademark portals.
“When I first joined, the front-end support for attorneys, agents, and applicants was extremely difficult due to system failures. We addressed these concerns head-on, engaging stakeholders, migrating to cloud-based infrastructure, and optimizing the speed and functionality of trademark portals,” he explains. Continuous improvements are being made, from refining coding languages and user interfaces to ensuring that decisions align with the Act and rules.
A key initiative has been the establishment of an "open house" every working day, allowing stakeholders to voice concerns and receive solutions in real time. Prof. Pandit acknowledges that while not every stage of the process has a fully optimized timeframe, the goal is to ensure that commercially significant applications are disposed of in a time-bound manner.
AI-Driven Trademark Search
The digital transformation also includes the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into trademark searches. “We recently introduced an AI-supported trademark search system, which optimizes coding to enhance accuracy,” Prof. Pandit notes. The system helps applicants identify potential conflicts before finalizing a trademark, making the process more efficient.
AI-based trademark searches supplement traditional methods by offering comparative assessments against previously identified marks. “This is not the final decision-making tool but a supplementary aid to improve trademark protection and expedite decision-making,” he clarifies.
Measuring the Economic Impact of Trademarks in India
India has witnessed significant growth across all forms of intellectual property (IP), including trademarks. However, unlike the United States, European Union, and Australia, India lacks a dedicated system to measure the direct contribution of trademarks to its economy. Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit acknowledges this gap and highlights the need for a structured approach.
“I believe this should be done through a neutral framework,” he states, pointing out that while NITI Aayog’s India Innovation Index tracks state-level contributions to innovation, startups, and entrepreneurship, an IP-specific assessment is still missing. Developing a comprehensive framework to study the impact of IP would help shape strategic interventions and enable an IP-driven, technology-embedded economy.
India has taken some steps in this direction. The State Bank of India (SBI) Economic Wing recently conducted a study on the Indian IP Office, analyzing patents and trademarks. “We shared data with them, and they produced valuable insights, which are available on the IP India website,” Prof. Pandit notes. He believes similar studies should be encouraged, particularly by third-party agencies to ensure neutrality and credibility.
Academic institutions, particularly management and business schools, could play a key role in this effort. “Their research into IP-led economic growth could contribute to meaningful policy interventions,” he emphasizes.
The Rise of Personal Branding Through Trademarks in India’s Digital Economy
India’s rapid expansion in the digital space is reshaping how brands are built, with influencers, content creators, and celebrities increasingly turning to trademarks to safeguard their personal brands. Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit acknowledges this trend, emphasizing that it cannot be ignored. “The elephant has already entered the room,” he remarks, underscoring the undeniable momentum behind personal brand protection through trademark registrations.
Celebrities such as Amitabh Bachchan have set precedents by securing trademark rights over their names and identities. This trend is now extending to digital creators and influencers, who are leveraging trademarks to protect their unique brand value. “These individuals have built their brands through years of hard work and dedication. Their rights must be respected,” Prof. Pandit asserts.
However, with the rise in personal brand trademarks comes the risk of misuse. Unauthorized use of celebrity and influencer names to mislead the public or diminish their brand value is a growing concern. Prof. Pandit stresses the importance of curbing such misuse while reinforcing India’s commitment to intellectual property rights. “Viksit Bharat should have the reputation of respecting all IP rights. It is important for equal sustainance.”
IP-Backed Financing
Globally, companies have leveraged intellectual property (IP) as collateral to secure funding, a model that has gained traction with businesses such as Xerox, General Motors, and Kodak. However, in India, this concept is still in its early stages. Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit acknowledges this gap, stating, “The banking sector is not yet matured and does not yet provide such grants against trademarks and patents.”
Despite this, he foresees a positive shift. "There will be a growing need for the country," he remarks, suggesting that as India strengthens its innovation ecosystem, financial institutions may gradually recognize IP assets as viable collateral. He highlights how patents have already demonstrated their value in financial markets: "There have been startups, small entities, which are listed on NSE, and if they have got a patent for their business niche, their brand value over the next 24 hours is increasing up to 24-30% in their stock value."This trend underscores the increasing financial significance of intellectual property.
Conclusion
The interview with Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit underscored the growing significance of trademarks in India's economy, with an 800% surge in grants reflecting a rapidly expanding brand-driven market. Trademarks are no longer just about brand recognition; they are now central to economic growth, investment, and global competitiveness. Strengthening enforcement and consumer awareness will be crucial to preserving brand integrity, while advancements in machine learning promise to enhance trademark protection. Additionally, recognizing trademarks and patents as collateral could unlock new funding avenues, fueling an innovation-driven economy. With well-structured policy reforms and greater IP awareness, trademarks will continue to shape India's position as a global knowledge leader.
IP Round up
OPPO Ranks Eighth in 5G Patent Race
LexisNexis released its latest report, Who Is Leading the 5G Patent Race?, on January 23, 2025, ranking OPPO eighth globally for 5G standard essential patents (SEPs). A separate report by Patently in January 2025 confirmed OPPO’s position among the top 5G SEP holders. By December 31, 2024, OPPO had filed over 110,000 global patent applications, securing more than 61,000 granted patents, with 91% being invention patents. Ranked ninth in WIPO’s 2023 PCT filings, OPPO continues to strengthen its technological foundation, advancing innovation to enhance global connectivity and user experiences. (Source: Oppo.com)
Bombay HC Bars Ex-Franchisee from Using Jawed Habib’s Trademark
The Bombay High Court granted ad-interim relief to celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib in an intellectual property dispute against former franchisee Rashid Molla, restraining him from using the trademark and copyrighted materials of Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty Limited until the final hearing. The company, incorporated in 2006, formally registered the “Jawed Habib” trade name in 2010. Molla, who entered a franchise agreement in 2017, failed to pay royalties despite multiple notices in 2022, leading to the termination of the agreement. However, he continued using the brand’s trademarks and artistic works, disregarding a cease-and-desist notice. In 2023, Habib filed a case, alleging unauthorized use of his intellectual property. Justice Manish Pitale found a strong prima facie case for copyright infringement, emphasizing potential irreparable harm. Consequently, the court issued an injunction prohibiting Molla’s use of the brand’s trademarks and logo, with the next hearing scheduled for March 25, 2025. (Source: HindustanTimes)
Delhi HC Protects "Ratan Tata" Trademark
The Delhi High Court ruled on February 7 that "Ratan Tata" is a well-known trademark that must be protected from unauthorized use. Justice Mini Pushkarna issued an injunction against Rajat Srivastava, barring him from using Ratan Tata’s name or image for events like the "Ratan Tata Icon Award." Tata Group and the Sir Ratan Tata Trust argued that their brand, with a 150-year legacy, symbolizes trust and ethical business, while the defendants allegedly misused this reputation by promoting an award event using the Tata name and charging nomination fees. Despite a takedown notice, the event continued to be advertised. During proceedings, the defense claimed the event was canceled and offending posts removed. The court granted a permanent injunction and directed the defendants to submit an affidavit confirming they would not use the Tata name, trademarks, or Ratan Tata’s image in the future. (Source: BarandBench)
Amazon Faces Ban in Germany Over Nokia Patent Infringement
Amazon recently lost a patent dispute in Germany, with the court ruling that the company violated a video streaming technology patent owned by Nokia. As a result, Amazon is prohibited from offering video streaming services in Germany until it reaches an agreement with Nokia. For each violation, Amazon faces a €250,000 ($260,000) fine. Despite the court ruling, Amazon assures that its Prime Video service in Germany will remain unaffected, stating that customers will not lose access. This marks Nokia's second victory in a patent case against Amazon, following a previous ruling last year involving Amazon’s Fire TV streaming devices. The legal conflict arose after Amazon failed to reach a licensing agreement with Nokia, which demanded higher fees than other companies Amazon had negotiated with for similar patents. (Source: Phonearena)
Nuix Secures Patent for AI-Powered Document Classification Breakthrough
Nuix has secured a patent for its innovative deep learning system that enhances AI-driven document classification in natural language processing (NLP). This breakthrough improves accuracy, reduces false positives, and eliminates the need for training separate neural networks for different document types. By efficiently distinguishing between similar legal documents, such as non-disclosure and non-compete agreements, the technology streamlines workflows and minimizes retraining efforts. CEO Jonathan Rubenstein emphasized Nuix’s commitment to AI advancements, while Chief Field Technology Officer Stephen Stewart highlighted its impact across industries like legal, compliance, and cybersecurity. This patented innovation strengthens Nuix’s role in data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency. (Source: PRNewswire)
References:
Nidhi, K. (2025, February 10). HC grants relief to Jawed Habib in copyright infringement row. Hindustan Times. https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/hc-grants-relief-to-jawed-habib-in-copyright-infringement-row-101739128052074.html
Nuix. (2025, February 10). Nuix awarded patent for breakthrough deep learning technology for training AI. PR Newswire. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nuix-awarded-patent-for-breakthrough-deep-learning-technology-for-training-ai-302372987.html
OPPO. (2025, February 6). OPPO ranks eighth globally for 5G standard essential patents. OPPO Newsroom. https://www.oppo.com/en/newsroom/ip/oppo-ranks-eighth-globally-for-5g-standard-essential-patents/
Thyagarajan, S. N. (2025, February 10). Delhi High Court says Ratan Tata well-known personal name mark, trademark protection. Bar & Bench. https://www.barandbench.com/news/delhi-high-court-says-ratan-tata-well-known-personal-name-mark-trademark-protection
Vasile, C. (2025, February 10). Amazon Prime Video faces patent ban in Germany due to Nokia’s patent infringement. PhoneArena. https://www.phonearena.com/news/amazon-prime-video-patent-ban_id167464