The Largest Patent Prosecution Firms in India 2019-2023

Patent filings in India have demonstrated steady activity between 2019 and 2023, with a total of 201,234 applications filed by over 250 firms during this period. Notably, the top 25 firms alone accounted for a significant share of these filings, highlighting the dominance of specialized patent prosecution firms within the Indian market.

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Rank: Largest 25 Patent Prosecution Firms in India

Over the period between 2019 and 2023, the top 10 patent law firms in India have handled an impressive 122,064 patent filings.

Notably, the top 5 firms alone accounted for a significant share of these filings, emphasizing the concentration of expertise within a select group of specialized patent prosecution firms. These top firms continue to shape India’s intellectual property landscape with their scale, experience, and specialized services.

  1. Remfry & Sagar has long been a leader in the Indian patent prosecution space. With a history spanning nearly two centuries, the firm has handled the highest volume of filings, particularly in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors. Known for its international reach, Remfry & Sagar remains a dominant player for both domestic and foreign clients.
  2. K&S Partners has rapidly ascended to the top ranks due to its deep expertise in patent law and its commitment to client service. Specializing in technology, biotech, and pharma, K&S Partners has become one of the most trusted firms for multinational clients looking to protect their IP in India.

3. De Penning & De Penning has a well-established reputation for its strategic approach to patent prosecution. With a focus on both domestic and international filings, this firm is particularly strong in sectors like pharmaceuticals and chemicals, where complex patenting strategies are often required.

4. Lakshmikumaran & Sridharan (L&S) offers a full range of IP services and has one of the most respected patent prosecution teams in India. The firm is known for handling a large volume of filings in high-tech sectors, particularly in electronics, engineering, and biotechnology.

5. Anand and Anand is a landmark firm in India’s patent prosecution scene. Known for its thorough approach and exceptional legal expertise, Anand and Anand has consistently been ranked as one of the top firms for patent filings, with a significant presence in both litigation and prosecution. Its global network has made it a preferred choice for international filings.

Patent Filing Trends in India

Patent filings in India have maintained a relatively consistent pace year-over-year, reflecting the country’s expanding innovation ecosystem. International filings continue to represent a large proportion of total applications, with many firms reporting foreign filing shares above 80%.

Interestingly, firms like Remfry & Sagar and De Penning & De Penning achieved foreign filing shares close to or exceeding 95%, showcasing their strong client relationships with multinational corporations and global innovators.

Technology sectors such as pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and artificial intelligence have seen increased filing activity, aligning with broader global trends. Meanwhile, firms are also beginning to support emerging areas like green technology and biotechnology, indicating potential shifts in future IP strategies.

Interestingly, the firms that have zero or lower percentages in foreign filings, tend to have Indian universities as their most important clients – a testament to the innovation within India and the university sector.

India: Number of Patent Applications and Shares of Foreign Filings per Firm
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Case Exchange Trends in India

India remains a crucial hub in the global IP ecosystem, with notable cross-border patent case exchanges:

Countries sending patents to India: Key contributors include the United States, Japan, China, Germany, and South Korea, reflecting sustained international interest in securing IP protection in India’s growing economy.

Countries receiving patents from India: Indian applicants frequently file in the United States, China, Germany, Great Britain, Japan, and Australia, showcasing the outward-looking IP strategies of India’s top companies and research institutions.

The increasing importance of India as both a source and destination for patent filings reflects the country’s rising profile as a global innovation hub. As Indian companies become more aggressive in protecting their inventions abroad, firms with strong international filing capabilities are likely to benefit.

Countries Receiving Most Cases from India: Country Breakdown 2019-2023
Countries Sending Most Cases to India: Country Breakdown 2019-2023

Strategic Insights for IP Law Firms

Understanding these market dynamics is critical for Indian IP law firms seeking to sharpen their strategies. Firms leading the filing volumes are doing so by maintaining strong foreign partnerships, investing in technical expertise, and focusing on sectors with sustained innovation.

Firms seeing declines in filing volumes may need to reassess their focus areas, emphasizing growing sectors like AI, clean energy, and biotech, where patent filings are expected to increase in the coming years. Additionally, strengthening alliances with international associates can help firms capture more inbound and outbound filings, essential for long-term growth.

With global case exchanges on the rise, firms that can seamlessly manage filings across jurisdictions will be better positioned to serve multinational clients and emerging Indian innovators alike.

Conclusion

India’s patent prosecution landscape between 2019 and 2023 has been shaped by steady filing activity, a concentration of filings among a few major firms, and increasing international engagement.

By staying informed about these trends and aligning services with emerging industries, Indian IP firms can secure their leadership positions in an increasingly competitive environment. Whether the goal is to grow domestically or expand internationally, a data-driven, forward-looking strategy will be key to future success.

Firms that invest in technical expertise, global networks, and emerging technologies will be best poised to thrive in India’s evolving IP landscape.

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