Did Piyush Goyal Just Elevate India's Intellectual Property Landscape?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Expansion of ISA building increases capacity to over 700 personnel.
- Modern facilities enhance efficiency and productivity.
- Building incorporates eco-friendly features for sustainable development.
- Supports India's role as an International Searching Authority.
- Aims to position India as a global hub for intellectual property.
New Delhi, Aug 13 (NationPress) Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal inaugurated the newly expanded ISA building of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) located in Dwarka, New Delhi, on Wednesday. During his address, the Minister emphasized that the nation’s progress is heavily reliant on innovation and that the Intellectual Property ecosystem is increasingly recognized globally as a crucial driver of growth. He expressed optimism that with effective participation from all stakeholders, this institution will transform into the nucleus of India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, serving as a vital foundation for research and development.
The inauguration signifies a pivotal achievement in the government's pledge to enhance India's intellectual property infrastructure. Initially constructed in 2014 to support India’s role as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the original building comprised just two floors. Due to the remarkable growth of the Indian IP ecosystem, the expansion was greenlit in 2018, and the project, led by the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), was finalized in 2025.
The expansion saw the renovation of the existing structure and the addition of five new floors, elevating the total built-up area to 140,120 square feet. The facility can now support over 700 employees, a significant increase from the previous capacity of 200 in the old 6,082-square-foot IPO building. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs 88 crore, features a contemporary architectural design focused on maximizing workspace and enhancing operational efficiency.
The ground and first floors accommodate administrative and professional teams, including the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks. Floors two to six are dedicated to officers managing patents, designs, copyrights, and trademarks, equipped with examination halls, technical and legal sections, and divisions for international affairs.
The seventh floor is home to a cutting-edge International Training Centre featuring five fully equipped training halls, high-speed internet access, and state-of-the-art digital tools aimed at enhancing the skills of IP professionals and stakeholders.
In alignment with sustainable development goals, the building includes eco-friendly amenities like rainwater harvesting, a sewage treatment plant (STP), and plant waste decomposers. These features are expected to lower maintenance expenses, boost productivity, and elevate service delivery, thereby reinforcing India’s standing in global IP management.
Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada remarked on the promising trajectory of intellectual property growth, asserting that India is poised to become a talent hub for electronics, IT, and semiconductors.