International Cooperation

International Cooperation in Intellectual Property (IP) is essential for fostering innovation, protecting creators' rights, and stimulating global trade. As technology advances and the world become increasingly interconnected, the need for IP protection laws and robust enforcement mechanisms across borders becomes more pressing.

Effective IP systems help ensure that creators and innovators can protect their ideas and reap the benefits of their work, regardless of geographical boundaries. International treaties and organizations, such as World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), play a crucial role in providing a framework for cooperation, resolving disputes, and ensuring that intellectual property is respected and upheld globally. By aligning IP policies and promoting shared standards, countries can encourage cross-border collaboration, attract investment, and create a fair and predictable environment for global trade.

About Us

The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (O/o CGPDTM) has established the International Affairs Division (IAD), a division dedicated to facilitating global IP cooperation. The IAD serves as a critical link between the IP systems of different countries, ensuring the exchange of best practices, negotiation of treaties, and strengthening of international partnerships. By coordinating global IP efforts, the division plays a vital role in fostering a more cohesive and unified approach to IP management, benefiting innovators, businesses, and consumers worldwide.

The division not only manages bilateral cooperation with foreign IP offices such as the USPTO, UKIPO, JPO, and EUIPO etc. through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and Work Plans but also actively participates in multilateral agreements, including those with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under its various international treaties, the WIPO-India Action Plan, and the BRICS Agreement.

Bilateral Cooperation

Bilateral cooperation in Intellectual Property (IP) involves two countries working together to strengthen IP protection and enforcement through mutually agreed frameworks and agreements. By sharing best practices, resources, and technical assistance, bilateral agreements help improve IP systems, fostering innovation and trade between the partnering nations.

The Office has signed various Work Plans with foreign IP Offices under the active MoUs signed between DPIIT and their foreign counterparts.

Status of MoU and Work Plan with Other Countries:
S. No. Country/Intergovernmental Organization Status of MoU Status of Work Plan
1. Italy Active Active
2. EUIPO Active Active
3. TIPO, Taiwan Active Not Active
4. ROSPATENT Active Not Active
5. USPTO Active Under Process
6. DKPTO Active Active
7. INPI, Portugal Active Not Active
8. CIPO Active Active
9. PRV, Sweden Active Active
10. INPI, France Active Under Process
11. JPO Active Under Process
12. IPOS, Singapore Active Not Active
13. UKIPO Active Active
14. WIPO Active Under Process
15. IPI, Switzerland Active Active
16. INPI, Brazil Active Under Process
17. IMPI, Mexico Active Under Process

Activities Conducted With Foreign IP Offices

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi with participants from Global Automobile leaders (representing Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) such as Toyota, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha. {Report Link}
  • 2. On 8th December 2025, a virtual meeting took place between O/o CGPDTM and INPI, France to review the Activities conducted as per the previous work plan and to formulate the work plan for 2026-27. {Report Link}
  • 3. On 9th December 2025, a Joint interaction (roundtable) of IPO & JPO with Indian and Japanese industry was organized by the O/o CGPDTM at IPO Delhi for discussing the concerns of Indian and Japanese Industry. {Report Link}
  • 4. On 11th December 2025, a meeting held between DPIIT, O/o CGPDTM and JPO to review the Action Plan 2023-25 and deduce new cooperation proposals at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. {Report Link}
  • 5. On 18th December 2025, a meeting held between DPIIT, O/o CGPDTM and DKPTO to review the Activities conducted in 2025 and to formulate the activity calender for 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi with participants from Global Automobile leaders (representing Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) such as Toyota, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha. {Report Link}
  • 2. On 8th December 2025, a virtual meeting took place between O/o CGPDTM and INPI, France to review the Activities conducted as per the previous work plan and to formulate the work plan for 2026-27. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi with participants from Global Automobile leaders (representing Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) such as Toyota, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi with participants from Global Automobile leaders (representing Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association) such as Toyota, Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

Activities Conducted with Foreign IP Offices in the Year 2023-2024

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

Activities Conducted with Foreign IP Offices in the Year 2022-2023

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

  • 1. On 3rd December 2025, a seminar on "Key Automobile Technologies" was organized by the Office of CGPDTM at IPO Delhi. {Report Link}

Cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

The Office engages in various WIPO meetings, conferences, and discussions on IP policy, contributing to the development of global IP frameworks and standards. India is a party to several key WIPO treaties that help streamlining and protecting IP globally, including, Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), Madrid Protocol and Berne Convention etc. The Office also collaborates with WIPO to conduct several activities under the WIPO-India Action Plan (link). The office participated in the following WIPO meetings/sessions till date (FY 2025-26):

  • 1. The Committee on Development and Intellectual Property (CDIP). CDIP is responsible for creating a work program to implement the forty-five recommendations of the Development Agenda. It monitors, assesses, and reports on the progress of these recommendations, coordinates with relevant WIPO bodies, and discusses intellectual property and development-related issues as determined by the Committee or the General Assembly.
  • 2. The Diplomatic Conference to conclude an International Legal Instrument relating to Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge associated with Genetic Resources.
  • 3. The CGPDTM attended the 'WIPO-MCST-COV International Symposium on copyright enforcement' held at Hanoi, Vietnam from 17th to 21st June 2024.
  • 4. 'WIPO-RGNIIPM Advanced Training Course on Patent Search and Examination for Asia and the Pacific' was conducted from 24th to 28th June 2024 in New Delhi.
  • 5. The Series of Meetings of the Assemblies of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Session of the WIPO General Assembly. The meetings were focused on reviewing WIPO's progress, setting future priorities, and making decisions on key policy and procedural matters, including the renewal of the IGC mandate and discussions on intellectual property, genetic resources, and traditional knowledge.
  • 6. The Session of the Committee on WIPO Standards (CWS). CWS serves as a forum to adopt new or revised WIPO Standards, policies, recommendations, and statements of principle relating to intellectual property data, global information system-related matters, information services on the global system, data dissemination, and documentation.
  • 7. The 21st Session of the Working Group on the Legal Development of the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks which focuses on updates to the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks.
  • 8. The 31st Session of the Meeting of International Authorities under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT-MIA), hosted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). {Report Link}
  • 9. The Session of the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents (SCP). The SCP is currently discussing five key substantive topics: exceptions and limitations to patent rights, including aspects like experimental use, scientific research, prior use, and regulatory approval; quality of patents, with a focus on patentability criteria, inventive steps, opposition systems, and AI's role in patent examination; the relationship between patents and health, including the impact on access to medicines and vaccines, and the retrieval of patent information; confidentiality of communications between patent advisors and clients, particularly in cross-border legal proceedings; and technology transfer, exploring the role of patents in facilitating or impeding the transfer of technology, with practical examples shared by members and observers.
  • 10. The 13th Session of the Working Group on the Legal Development of the Hague System which focuses on updates to the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs.
  • 11. The 10th Session of the WIPO Conversation on AI Output: To Protect, or Not to Protect.
  • 12. The Diplomatic Conference to conclude and adopt a Design Law Treaty (DLT) held at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • 13. The PCT Regional Seminar for ASEAN Member States on Enhanced Use of the PCT System and Patent Examination Procedures.
  • 14. The Sessions of the Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Folklore (IGC). The WIPO Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Folklore (IGC) has been entrusted with a renewed mandate aiming to finalize international legal instruments for the protection of traditional knowledge (TK), and traditional cultural expressions (TCEs). The mandate includes sessions focused on negotiations, stocktaking, and resolving outstanding issues. Discussions on TK and TCEs will continue, with an emphasis on narrowing differences and achieving consensus. The Secretariat will provide technical assistance and facilitate the participation of Indigenous Peoples, while the committee will report its progress to the General Assembly in 2025.
  • 15. WIPO DDG (copyrights) Ms. Sylvia Forbins with her team visited India from 28th March to 2nd April 2025.
  • 16. WIPO ADG, Mr. Marco Aleman with his team visited Delhi from 2nd April to 4th April 2025.
  • 17. WIPO Director General Mr. Daren Tang visited India from 29th April to 1st May 2025. The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate on capacity building in IP analytics. Additionally, updates on recent initiatives under the WIPO-India Action Plan were shared. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Action Plan and agreed to initiate discussions on its renewal later this year.
  • 18. WIPO-RGNIIPM Advanced Certificate Training Program for Patents Examiners was organized from May 5 to May 16, 2025, at MCRHRD, Hyderabad. Around 25 newly-inducted Indian examiners and 14 foreign IP officials from 10 different countries participated in the program. During the program, the participants underwent an intensive training in the field of IP including prior art search, examination practices, IPC and patent practices. Apart from the classroom sessions, the program also aimed at showcasing Indian culture and heritage.

Cooperation Under Brics Agreement

2024

    The O/o. CGPDTM also participate in various IP meetings under the BRICS multilateral agreement. The BRICS meetings attended in the year 2024 are as follows:

    a) The O/o. CGPDTM participated virtually in the 16th BRICS Heads of IP Offices (HIPO) meeting held from 10th October to 11th October, 2024 under the chairship of Russia. The BRICS IP Offices approved the following documents:

  • Project proposal by ROSPATENT "The role of IP offices in technological development and identifying breakthrough technologies";
  • Project proposal by CNIPA-China "Comparative Study of Practices Concerning Product Indications";
  • Project proposal by CNIPA-China "Common Statistical Indicators";
  • Project proposal by O/o CGPDTM-India "Traditional Systems of Medicine and Knowledge for use in Modern Science";
  • Project proposal by O/o CGPDTM-India "AI and Machine Learning Intervention in Trademark and Design";
  • "BRICS Patent Information Services Report" prepared by CNIPA-China.

    • b) IP BRICS Examiners' Training Program on "Development of Universities and Research Institutes: Incentives, Patenting and Commercialization" was organized virtually from 9th December to 13th December 2024.

S. No. List of events/meetings as per
IPBRICS Calendar		 Date Brief Inputs
1. INPI's Project 1st Meeting – online 17.02.2025 This meeting was organized by INPI, Brazil, the chair of IPBRICS wherein they have presented the brief of their new project proposal related to AI. Focal Point and team members attended the meeting.
2. 1st CGM – online: 04.06.2025 Member countries have given the presentations on the ongoing projects and thereafter discussion was held on these projects. Discussion on HIPO informal meeting, discussion on operational guidelines amendments and discussion on project proposal related to field of copyright was held. Focal Point and team members attended the meeting.
3. HIPO Informal Meeting – Geneva 08.07.2025 CGPDTM could not attend the meeting as the meeting was not included in the schedule of the Indian delegation deputed for WIPO GA 2025.
4. 2nd CGM – online: 06.08.2025 Discussion took place on preparation for ICT Workshop, upcoming HIPO meeting, operational guidelines amendments and projects. Focal Point and team members attended the meeting.
5. ICT Workshop – online: 13.08.2025 In ICT Workshop, the member countries has given the presentation on topic "The Use of Artificial Intelligence to automate activities in the examination of different IP assets".
From India, Shri. Karan Adhikari and Shri. Saurabh Nair, both System Analyst cum Computer Programmer delivered the presentation.
6. 3rd CGM – online: 15.09.2025 Discussion on prior preparation of HIPO meeting and agenda, draft of amendments in operational guidelines and projects. Focal point and team members attended the meeting.
7. HIPO Meeting – Rio de Janeiro 22 & 23 September 2025 Prof.(Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit, CGPDTM and Shri. Kishor R. Kadbe, Deputy Controller attended the meeting at Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. During the meeting, new project proposal of member countries, and final reports on concluded projects approved. India's project "BRICS IP Horizons: Unleashing the Potential of a Decade's IP Multilateral Collaboration" is finalized and approved. Operational guidelines amendments with respect to addition of names of newly joined member countries approved.
8. Examiners training – online 1-5 December 2025 IPBRICS Examiners training program was organized by Chair, INPI Brazil through virtual mode during 1-5 December 2025. Examiners and Officers of Patent Office and Trade Marks Registry of India participated as per the topic of training and also Controllers and Registrars were nominated as speakers for delivering presentation on different topics of training program.

2026

India has formally assumed the Chairship for BRICS and the O/o CGPDTM has assumed the chairship for IP BRICS.

Foreign Meetings

Disclosure of Foreign Meetings (online/offline) attended by Officials of O/o. CGPDTM from the year 2019-till date click More...

Upcoming Events

Bilateral Events:

  • 1. An online session on the "Exchange of Best Practices in Design Examination" between JPO and O/o. CGPDTM will tentatively be held on 12th February 2025.

Wipo Events:

  • The 9th Session of the Committee of Experts of the Vienna Union will be held from January 20, 2025 to January 21, 2025.
  • The 17th Session on the Advisory Committee on Enforcement will be held from February 4, 2025 to February 6, 2025.
  • The 18th Session of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Working Group will be held from February 17, 2025 to February 20, 2025.
  • The 56th Session of the IPC Union-Committee of Experts will be held from February 25, 2025 to February 27, 2025.
  • The 50th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on the Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore will be held from March 3, 2025 to March 7, 2025.
  • The 6th Session of the Working Group on the Development of the Lisbon System (Appellations of Origin) will be held from March 17, 2025 to March 20, 2025.
  • The 48th Session of the Standing Committee on the Law of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications will be held from March 24, 2025 to March 27, 2025.
  • The 46th Session of the Standing Committee on Copyrights and Related Rights will be held from April 7, 2025 to April 11, 2025.
  • The 35th Session of the Committee of Experts of the Nice Union will be held from April 28, 2025 to May 2, 2025.
  • The 34th Session of the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property will be held from May 5, 2025 to May 9, 2025.
  • The 53rd Session of the IPC Union-IPC Revision Working Group will be held from May 12, 2025 to May 16, 2025.
  • The 38th Session of the Program and Budget Committee will be held from May 19, 2025 to May 23, 2025.
  • The 51st Session of the Intergovernmental Committee on the Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore will be held from May 30, 2025 to June 5, 2025.
  • The 38th Session of the Program and Budget Committee will be held from June 16, 2025 to June 20, 2025.
  • The Assemblies of the Member States of WIPO will be held from July 8, 2025 to July 17, 2025.
  • The 12th Session of the Committee on WIPO Standards will be held from September 16, 2025 to September 20, 2025.
  • The 23rd Session of the Working Group on the Legal Development of the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks will be held from September 22, 2025 to September 25, 2025.
  • The 14th Session of the Working Group on the Legal Development of the Hague System for the International Registration of Marks will be held from October 6, 2025 to October 10, 2025.
  • The 17th Session of the Committee of Experts of the Locarno Union will be held from October 20, 2025 to October 22, 2025.
  • The UPOV Sessions will be held from October 20, 2025 to October 24, 2025.
  • The 54th Session of the IPC Union-IPC Revision Working Group will be held from October 27, 2025 to October 31, 2025.
  • The 37th Session of the Standing Committee on the Law of Patents will be held from November 3, 2025 to November 7, 2025.
  • The 23rd Committee on WIPO Standards will be held from November 10, 2025 to November 14, 2025.
  • The 35th Session on the Committee on Development and Intellectual Property will be held from November 17, 2025 to November 21, 2025.
  • The 47th Session on the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights will be held from December 1, 2025 to December 5, 2025.

Contact Details

Prof. (Dr) Unnat P. Pandit
Prof. (Dr) Unnat P. Pandit

Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM), RoC, GI & SICLDR

Email: cgoffice-mh[at]nic[dot]in

Shri C N Shashidhara
Shri C N Shashidhara

Joint Controller of Patents and Designs Head, International Affairs Division, O/o CGPDTM

Email: int-ipo@gov.in

Seminar On Key Automobile Technologies

Seminar On Key Automobile Technologies (Held on 03rd Dec 2025 at IPO Delhi)

IPO-JPO Joint Interaction

IPO-JPO Joint Interaction with Indian and Japanese Industry (Held on 09th Dec 2025 at IPO Delhi)

CGPDTM and IPI Swiss Work Plan

O/o CGPDTM and IPI, Swiss signed a new Work Plan to strengthen IP cooperation

WIPO General Assembly 2025 in Geneva

Some glimpse of the WIPO General Assembly 2025
in Geneva