The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has recorded a significant rise in intellectual property rights (IPR) applications related to India’s biological resources following the implementation of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023. The revised law has strengthened the regulatory framework, making it more transparent, efficient, and accountable.
Greater Transparency and Compliance Under New Rules
Under the amended provisions, applicants covered under Section 7 of the Act are now required to obtain a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the NBA before filing IPR applications—including patents—based on biological resources originating in India.
This mandatory requirement has improved:
- Transparency in the system
- Regulatory compliance
- Accountability among stakeholders
Shift Toward a Registration-Based System
The updated framework has simplified procedures, leading to a major shift toward a registration-based system. As a result, approval processes have become more streamlined and time-efficient, encouraging more applicants to participate.
Sharp Rise in Applications and Approvals
According to official data:
- Between April 2024 and March 2025, around 857 IPR applications were received, out of which 792 CoRs were issued
- Between April 2025 and March 2026, applications rose to 1,077, with 885 certificates granted
This steady increase reflects growing participation and improved efficiency in processing applications.
Diverse Sectors Driving Growth
IPR applications are being filed across a wide range of sectors, including:
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceuticals
- Chemicals
- Food science
- Agrochemicals
- Microbiology
- Biomedical engineering
- Textiles
This trend highlights the rapid adoption of the regulatory framework by knowledge-driven industries.
Balancing Innovation with Conservation
The amendment aims to promote responsible innovation while maintaining a balance between:
- Scientific advancement
- Conservation of biological resources
It also ensures fair and equitable benefit sharing among stakeholders, aligning with global biodiversity goals.
Boost to Research and Ease of Doing Business
The new provisions have also contributed to improving the ease of doing business in India. Individuals and organizations using biological resources can now operate within a clear and robust regulatory framework, accelerating both research and industrial development.
