Opening Statement by India at the 66th Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO
Thank you Mr. Chair,
India joins other delegations in expressing appreciation for your able leadership as the Chair of the WIPO General Assembly. We assure you of our full cooperation and also extend our sincere appreciation to the Director General and the WIPO Secretariat for their efforts in organising these Assemblies.
Mr. Chair,
India reaffirms its strong belief in WIPO’s role as the cornerstone of global Intellectual Property (IP) norm setting. This year, we proudly mark 50 years of the India-WIPO partnership – a testament to our long-standing and constructive engagement with the global IP system. We are party to all the major WIPO treaties and instruments and will continue our engagement with member states for norm setting and proper implementation of the international IP legal framework.
Mr. Chair,
India congratulates all Member States and WIPO for the successful conclusion of the Diplomatic Conference on the Design Law Treaty. DLT is a key step in making design protection more accessible and effective for MSMEs, startups, and independent designers. We particularly welcome the inclusion of provisions on Technical Assistance and Capacity Building, ensuring that the benefits of this treaty are truly equitable and inclusive. The recognition of Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Cultural Expressions within the treaty reflects a progressive and inclusive approach to design protection. The successful outcomes of both the DLT and GRATK conferences in 2024 reaffirm our shared commitment to a stronger multilateral IP framework.
Mr. Chair,
India is resolutely advancing its domestic IP ecosystem through ongoing legal reforms, administrative enhancements, and innovative policies. Emphasis on digitization and process optimization, including the deployment of AI/ML in trademark searches, have significantly enhanced efficiency and reduced process delays. As a result of such efforts, India has seen a significant rise in IP filings. In FY 2023-24, Indian IP Office granted over 100,000 patents, and for the first time in 2024, received over 100,000 patent applications with 60% from domestic applicants.
As part of our institutional capacity-building efforts, our technical workforce for patent and trademark examination has also seen substantial growth by over 30% and 50% respectively.
Mr. Chair,
We appreciate the WIPO efforts for implementing India’s project on “Intellectual Property and Unlocking the Potential of Non-Agricultural Geographical Indications”, which aligns with the Development Agenda as well as with India’s commitment to empower local communities and preserve traditional arts.
Mr. Chair,
We urge Member States to work constructively and creatively to resolve the impasse on opening WIPO’s External Offices. These offices have contributed significantly in the past and will continue to strengthen the global IP ecosystem. While we recognize the importance of evaluating the work of existing External Offices, we believe this should not delay the decision to open new ones. It is imperative to recognise External Offices not just as expenditures, but as strategic investments in the future of IP in growing economies like India.
India remains hopeful for meaningful progress on all the pending issues, including the finalization of a balanced treaty on the protection of broadcasting organizations. We also reaffirm our constructive engagement in the ongoing IGC negotiations on protection of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCE).
Mr. Chair,
India looks forward to continued, constructive collaboration with WIPO and fellow Member States in our shared pursuit of a robust, inclusive, and development-oriented global IP framework.
Thank you.
STANDING COMMITTEE ON COPYRIGHT AND RELATED RIGHT (SCCR) (WO/GA/58/4)
Chair,
We would like to thank the Committee for the detailed discussions on the protection of broadcasting organizations and for presenting the Draft Broadcasting Treaty during the 46th session of the SCCR.
India remains committed to work towards a balanced treaty that protects the rights of broadcasters, provides member states with flexibility to implement obligations through adequate and effective legal means, and support the development needs and public interest concerns of member states.
Chair,
India, as the first country to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty, reaffirms its commitment to a balanced and inclusive IP system that ensures equitable access to knowledge and serves the public interest. We commend the Committee’s continued work on limitations and exceptions as mandated by the 2012 General Assembly, and support the preparation of a document for discussion at SCCR/47, emphasizing the need to build on past efforts without duplication.
Chair,
We appreciate GRULAC’s efforts in introducing the Draft Work Plan on Copyright in the Digital Environment, which highlights key issues such as fair remuneration, platform transparency, AI’s impact on copyright, and negotiation imbalances between creators and digital service providers.
India recalls that the General Assembly, while establishing the SCCR in 1998, mandated the Committee to examine copyright, related rights, and digital technology from the perspectives of both rights holders and the public. In that spirit, we support retaining this important topic on the Committee’s agenda and looks forward to discussing GRULAC’s revised Work Plan at SCCR/47.
Chair,
India commends the Secretariat’s efforts on organising an Information session on Copyright and AI in the previous SCCR meetings. We believe that the rise of AI makes the proposed discussions even more important, and this topic deserves detailed attention under the SCCR.
We hope the Committee will engage in meaningful discussions on both the opportunities and challenges that AI brings to the field of content creation, including recent disputes, transparency, fair compensation for creators, and the protection of artists' personal attributes.
Chair,
India appreciates the ‘WIPO Toolkit on Artist’s Resale Right’ prepared by Professor Sam Ricketson. The toolkit offers valuable insights into the practical administration of ARR at the national level. We support including this topic on the SCCR agenda to advance discussions on fair remuneration for artists globally, especially for indigenous artists, and to promote greater equity in the copyright system.
Chair,
We reiterate the importance of protecting theatre directors’ rights and propose a comparative study of best practices across jurisdictions to identify the most suitable model for their protection.
Chair,
We commend Ms. Sabine Richly for her work in preparing the revised document titled ‘Scoping Study on the Rights of Public Lending Rights’. The document serves as a valuable and comprehensive reference for Member States in designing PLR schemes and in understanding the scope and legal framework of public lending rights across various jurisdictions.
Chair,
India supports the proposed study on the ‘Rights of Audio-visual Authors’ with a focus on ensuring their ongoing remuneration, particularly in the digital and on-demand services landscape. The study should examine legal models, the impact of digital technologies, and the role of collective management to identify practical solutions for fair compensation and sustainable creativity. We look forward to further discussion on the proposal made by the delegation of Cote d’ Iviore in the upcoming SCCR.
Thank You Chair.
STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE LAW OF PATENTS (SCP) (WO/GA/58/5)
Thank you, Chair.
India extends its sincere appreciation to the Secretariat for its comprehensive preparation of the documentation. We also acknowledge the valuable contribution of Member States, which have enabled substantive progress on the agenda items under discussion.
Chair,
The active transformation of IP landscape in India is fuelled by legislative changes, policy initiatives and judicial pronouncements. In 2024, 1,05,157 patent applications have been filed in India with resident filings crossing over 60%.
Chair,
India remains committed to strengthening its IP ecosystem through both national reforms and international cooperation. To support this ecosystem, India has recruited over 700 patent examiners in the past six years. Further, the recent amendments in the rules reflect our broader goal of creating a balanced, inclusive, and innovation-driven patent framework supporting inventors and ensuring the protection of public interest. A key feature of these amendments is the Certificate of Inventorship, which institutionalises the formal recognition of inventors and their contributions to innovation.
Chair,
India supports the expert exchange session on patentability criteria and AI inventorship. These are complex and rapidly evolving areas. We believe that the sharing sessions on the use of advanced tools, including artificial intelligence, are a timely and important discussion, especially as many IP Offices, including ours, continue to navigate the opportunities and challenges associated with developing, deploying, and integrating such technologies into existing workflows.
Chair,
India anticipates the outcomes of the sharing sessions on Standard-Essential Patents (SEPs) and FRAND licensing held during previous sessions. These discussions are vital for improving transparency, promoting equitable licensing practices, and ensuring a balanced global approach to standardization and innovation.
Chair,
India remains committed to actively participating in these discussions and to contributing to the development of a global IP system that is fair and inclusive.
Thank you.
STANDING COMMITTEE ON THE LAW OF TRADEMARKS, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS AND GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS (SCT) (WO/GA/58/6)
Chair,
India wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation for the meticulous efforts of the Secretariat in compiling the documentation for this Committee. We commence by expressing our gratitude to the Committee for their efforts to take forward the agenda during the previous session. The agenda items currently under consideration have witnessed notable progress.
Chair,
We congratulate the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the successful hosting of the Diplomatic Conference and for facilitating the adoption of the Riyadh Design Law Treaty.
Chair,
India appreciates the proposal by the African Group to invite further comments from the member countries on the revised document relating to the Study on the Impact of Design Protection for Graphical User Interface (GUI) Designs on Innovation. We also take note of the Joint Recommendation concerning the protection of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) as Industrial Designs. While such legal protection may serve as an incentive for innovation, it is equally important to define the scope and boundaries of such protection clearly.
Chair,
India appreciates the revised proposal by the delegation of Jamaica for a Joint Recommendation on protecting country names. We also take note of the underlying objective of SCT/43/6 REV.2 in ensuring that trademarks containing country names and geographical names of national significance do not mislead the public. India emphasises that the protection of geographical names should balance the interests of businesses, consumers, and national identities while considering established legal principles and examination practices. We recognise the importance of safeguarding country names to preserve cultural heritage and affirm national identity.
Chair,
Nation Brands are closely tied to the economic, social, and cultural identity of a country, shaping its global perception, trade, tourism, investment, etc. We convey sincere thanks to the Chair for continuing the discussion in the next session. Given their significance, India looks forward to constructive discussions on the various aspects of Nation Brands, including their protection, management and role in fostering innovation and economic growth.
Thank You, Chair.
Report on the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP) and Review of the Implementation of the Development Agenda Recommendations (WO/GA/58/7)
Thank you, Chair.
India wishes to extend its appreciation to the Secretariat for its meticulous efforts in compiling the documentation for this Committee.
Chair,
India remains deeply committed to Intellectual Property (IP) outreach and education, with the Indian IP Office leading several impactful initiatives that actively bridge the gap between policy and practice. Examples include the student internship program, the IP Saarthi Chatbot, and the Open House sessions.
The delegation of India is pleased to report two successful programs from earlier this year. In March 2025, the WIPO-India PCT-Madrid Roving Seminars were organised successfully across six cities in India, significantly boosting stakeholder awareness of the PCT and Madrid systems. Following this, in May 2025, the WIPO-RGNIIPM Advanced Certificate Training Program for Patent Examiners was conducted, which has further strengthened our technical capacity in the patent domain.
Chair,
The project submitted by India, titled “IP and Unlocking the Potential of Non-Agricultural Geographical Indications for the Empowerment of Local Communities and Preservation or Revival of Local Arts and Traditions”, is at its pre-implementation stage with the support of the WIPO and member states. We look forward to your continued support for the successful implementation of the project.
Chair,
India values WIPO’s sustained focus on empowering MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and local communities through IP-based tools and training programs. We welcome the continued expansion of these capacity-building activities.
Chair,
India reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement under the CDIP and fully supports its goal of integrating intellectual property into the broader development agenda, in line with the WIPO Development Agenda Recommendations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Thank you.
Statements on the Report of IGC (WO/GA/58/8)
Mr. Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
The Delegation of India extends its appreciation to the Secretariat for the comprehensive Report on the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore (IGC) for the 2024/2025 biennium (document WO/GA/58/8). India remains steadfast in its support for the IGC’s mission, which complements our national efforts to protect Genetic Resources (GRs), Traditional Knowledge (TK), and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs).
Mr. Chair,
The Delegation of India expresses appreciation for the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge, that was adopted on May 24, 2024, as it marks a crucial milestone by being the first WIPO instrument to address the interface between intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge, a move India has long championed.
Mr. Chair,
India recognizes the substantial work carried out during the 49th, 50th and 51st sessions of the IGC and acknowledges the sustained efforts that helped overcome early challenges to consensus, leading to the transmission of the “Facilitators’ Rev.” versions of the draft articles related to TK and TCEs to this General Assembly.
Mr. Chair,
India supports renewing the IGC's mandate for 2026/2027, with the objective of finalizing prior to the 2027 General Assembly, an agreement on an international legal instrument(s), relating to intellectual property, which will ensure balanced protection of TK and TCEs. India also reiterates the necessity of an evidence-based approach and urges Member States to participate in the upcoming negotiations on Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Traditional Cultural Expressions (TCEs) with openness and flexibility. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, India is committed to work constructively with all delegations to ensure the IGC fulfils its mandate and delivers a truly balanced, inclusive, and equitable international intellectual property system for all.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Report on the Committee on WIPO Standards (CWS) (WO/GA/58/9)
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The delegation of India takes this opportunity to thank the Secretariat for the preparation of the report on the Committee on WIPO Standards and congratulate the newly elected Vice-Chairs of the Committee.
Chair,
India acknowledges the importance of the Committee’s work in fostering standardization, interoperability, and efficiency in global IP systems. We commend the efforts of the Committee and note with appreciation the progress made across key areas, including the development of new WIPO Standards and improvements to existing ones.
Chair,
We welcome the adoption of WIPO Standard ST.92 concerning the data package format for the electronic exchange of priority documents. This standard is a significant step toward streamlining IP data exchange among IP offices and facilitating more efficient communication between them.
Chair,
We support the Recommendations on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and IP administration adopted by the Committee and believe these are timely and aligned with the broader digital public infrastructure initiatives being pursued at our national level. India also acknowledges WIPO for its continued efforts in providing technical assistance and capacity-building support on WIPO Standards, aligned with the evolving needs of Member States.
Chair,
India is committed to contributing positively to the deliberations and anticipates engaging in fruitful discussions in the upcoming session.
Thank you.
The Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE) (WO/GA/58/10)
Thank you, Chair.
At the outset, we commend the Committee for its valuable work during the last session and take this opportunity to congratulate the newly elected Chair and Vice-Chairs of the Committee.
Chair,
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Secretariat for providing us the opportunity to contribute to the panel discussion on the “Role of IP Education in Building Respect for IP and Effective IP Enforcement” during the last session of the Advisory Committee on Enforcement (ACE). During this session, we had the privilege of sharing insights about the National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM), which has reached 2.44 million students in India through more than 9000 programs.
Chair,
To advance IP awareness, promote research, and strengthen human capital in the field of IP, India has launched an Internship Program at the IP Offices, offering three variants of internship – short, mid and long duration – tailored to the needs of interns. Open House sessions to address IPR-related concerns and IP Saarthi – an AI-powered chatbot offering real-time guidance on IP registration and responses to IP-related queries – have also been launched.
Chair,
India considers enforcement a vital pillar of a balanced and effective intellectual property regime. We believe that enforcement efforts must remain balanced, development-oriented, and aligned with the broader public interest, in line with Recommendation 45 of the WIPO Development Agenda and the objectives of Article 7 of the TRIPS Agreement. To boost enforcement capabilities, nationwide training programs have been conducted for enforcement agencies, awareness programs for judges on IP enforcement have been held, and specialized IP divisions have been established in High Courts to strengthen judicial capacity.
Chair,
We reaffirm our commitment to working constructively with all Member States and the Secretariat to ensure that enforcement activities contribute to a fair, balanced, and development-driven global IP system.
Thank you.
Statement for General Assembly, 2025 (Madrid Union)
Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
On behalf of the Delegation of India, I extend congratulations to you, Mr./Madam Chair, and to the Vice-Chairs on your election. Your leadership will foster insightful, balanced, and forward-looking discussions during the upcoming session.
Chair,
India's significant and growing engagement with the Madrid System, evidenced by over 12,000 annual designations, highlights its emergence as a key player in the international trademark ecosystem.
In March 2025, India, in collaboration with WIPO, successfully held PCT-Madrid Roving Seminars across six major cities. These dynamic platforms enhanced capacity building and stakeholder engagement, strengthening user confidence in the Madrid System, particularly amongst first-time applicants and MSMEs.
Chair,
India's commitment to digital transformation has revolutionised IP services, with over 90% of trademark applications now filed online, resulting in faster processing and improved user experience. To streamline trademark identification and classification, an AI/ML-powered Trademark Search Engine was introduced in 2024, significantly boosting pre-filing due diligence and brand protection with a seamless digital experience.
India supports the proposal to mandate email addresses in communications, which aligns with our Digital India vision.
Chair,
India advocates reducing the dependency period for international trademark registrations from five to three years. This change shall offer flexibility for rights holders while retaining the basic mark requirement to ensure legal certainty.
Chair,
India, valuing linguistic inclusivity and global accessibility, supports adding more languages to the Madrid System, provided such expansions are based on objective feasibility, clear cost-benefits and operational readiness.
Chair,
India is dedicated to the Madrid Protocol's vision of a harmonised, inclusive, and tech-driven global trademark system, essential for innovation and fair trade. We look forward to collaborating with Member States and the WIPO Secretariat to evolve the Madrid System for a dynamic global economy.
Thank you, Chair.
Closing Remarks
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
India extends its sincere appreciation to WIPO and the Secretariat for their exceptional arrangements and their dedication in preparing all the documents and providing secretarial assistance for these Assemblies. Our gratitude also goes to all delegations for demonstrating flexibility and a spirit of accommodation, thereby upholding the fundamental WIPO principle of consensus.
We particularly commend your leadership, Mr. Chair, as well as the gracious hospitality and constructive facilitation by our host, Switzerland. The informal consultations facilitated among delegates and group coordinators were instrumental in enabling consensus and advancing the agenda.
It is indeed noteworthy that this year saw the participation of over 40 ministerial-level delegations and 92 Heads of IP Offices, which underscores WIPO’s ever-increasing profile as the lynchpin of global innovation and entrepreneurship. The successful adoption of the biennium budget further reinforces WIPO’s commitment to a balanced and inclusive development agenda.
We also wish to highlight the important opportunities afforded by meetings on the sidelines of the Assemblies, enabling valuable stocktaking of bilateral IP cooperation and holding informal discussions on emerging areas of mutual interest.
India was honored, on this occasion, to deposit its instrument of accession to the Strasbourg Agreement, reflecting our sustained commitment to the evolution of the international IP framework.
Finally, we express our thanks to WIPO and its excellent staff for the support and cooperation extended to India in celebrating 50 years of partnership between India and WIPO—a significant milestone that reflects our shared commitment to promoting innovation through IP.
Once again, India thanks WIPO, the Chair, and all delegations for their exemplary coordination and constructive engagement.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
