India is ranked 44 among 50 nations in the Intellectual Property (IP) index. India’s overall score has increased substantially from 25 per cent in the fifth edition of the index to 30 per cent in the sixth edition. India’s ranking reflects a relatively strong performance in the new indicators as well as positive reform efforts on patentability of computer-implemented inventions and registration procedures for well-known marks.

For the first time India has broken free of the bottom 10 per cent of economies measured and its score represents the largest percentage improvement of any country measured. Additional meaningful reforms are needed to complement the policy. In what is otherwise a very challenging environment for IP rights holders, India has demonstrated a long-standing and clear commitment to increasing awareness of the importance of IP rights and respect for creators and innovators.

The US tops the list with 37.98 points followed by the United Kingdom (37.97) and Sweden (37.03). But despite an improvement India continues to remain at the bottom of the ladder. Among key weaknesses are: limited framework for protection of life sciences patentability requirements outside international standards, lengthy pre-grant opposition proceedings, previously used compulsory licensing for commercial and nonemergency situations, limited participation in international IP treaties and no participation in international PPH (Patent Prosecution Highway) tracks.