Rise in IPR Filings Reflects Stronger Biodiversity Act

The National Biodiversity Authority received over 1,000 Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) applications linked to India's biological resources during 2025-26. This increase highlights the impact of the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023, which has fortified the regulatory framework governing resource access.

According to the Environment Ministry, from April 2024 to March 2025, around 857 applications were filed, with 792 Certificates of Registration (CoRs) issued. In the following year, the authority received 1,077 applications and issued 885 CoRs, reflecting a positive trend and effective disposal of applications.

Under amended provisions, applicants must obtain a CoR from the NBA before pursuing patents based on indigenous resources. This requirement aims to improve compliance, transparency, and ensure that biological resource use aligns with national laws and equitable benefit sharing principles.