As Indian companies expand into overseas markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, IP is no longer only a legal concern; it is increasingly becoming a business asset that influences market access, valuation, partnerships, and long-term competitiveness, a report said.
For exporters, the most valuable assets should not be limited to factories or inventories alone, said the joint report by Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) and RNA Technology and IP Attorneys.
The consequences of inadequate IP planning can be severe, as companies entering foreign markets without proper preparation may encounter trademark squatters, patent infringement claims, customs seizures, counterfeiting, trade secret theft, or costly rebranding exercises, the report mentioned.
"For Indian exporters, international growth requires an integrated operating discipline in which IP protection, FTA utilisation, customs documentation, regulatory compliance, supply-chain controls, and contractual safeguards are planned together before market exposure begins," it said.
"International expansion therefore requires a proactive and structured IP strategy. Before entering a new market, businesses should identify their key intellectual assets, assess ownership and protection gaps, evaluate trademark availability, and determine filing priorities for patents, trademarks, designs, and trade secret protection," it said.
Delays in these steps can result in missed opportunity windows and permanent loss of valuable rights, it said.
The TPCI on Thursday hosted India IP Advantage Summit 2026 here with a focus on how the country can convert its rising IP momentum into commercial advantage globally.
Mohit Singla, Chairman, TPCI, said while patent filings and IP registrations have grown steadily, challenges persist in commercialisation, enforcement, and global recognition.
"Building a robust pipeline of Indian-owned patents and trademarks across AI, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, consumer brands, and creative industries will be pivotal to securing India's place in the global knowledge economy," he said, adding patent applications filed with the Indian Patent Office increased from 58,503 in 2020-21 to 1,43,729 in 2025-26.
Speaking at the event, Unnat Pandit, Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDT), said a series of steps have been taken to streamline processes for filing IP applications.
(With inputs from PTI)
