Patents in the Biomedical and Healthcare Industry in India: Innovation, Market Growth, and Intellectual Property Strategy
Introduction:
Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles, scientific methods, and technological innovation to biological systems and healthcare delivery. It plays a critical role in the design and development of medical devices, diagnostic equipment, therapeutic technologies, and digital health solutions that improve patient outcomes and healthcare efficiency.
In recent years, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), information technology, robotics, wearable devices, cloud computing, and data analytics has fundamentally transformed the healthcare ecosystem. As innovation increasingly relies on complex, technology-driven systems, patents have become essential strategic assets, supporting innovation protection, commercialisation, cross-border expansion, and long-term competitiveness.
India’s Biomedical and Healthcare Industry:
India’s healthcare and medical devices sector continues to demonstrate robust growth in 2024–2025, driven by demographic expansion, rising healthcare awareness, increased insurance coverage, and supportive government policies.
According to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India’s medical devices market was valued at approximately USD 15.35 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow significantly to USD 50 billion by 2030, positioning India as the fourth-largest medical devices market in Asia and among the top 20 globally.[1]
Despite historical dependence on imports (approximately 70–80%), domestic manufacturing, research and development, and innovation-led startups are increasingly strengthening India’s position in the global MedTech value chain.
Structure of the Medical Devices Industry in India
The Indian medical devices industry comprises:
- Multinational corporations
- Domestic manufacturers
- MSMEs
- Technology-driven startups
Key segments of the industry include:
- Diagnostic imaging equipment
- Consumables and disposables
- Patient aids and rehabilitation devices
- Orthopaedic and implantable devices
- Dental and surgical products
Government initiatives such as Make in India, the National Medical Device Policy, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under the automatic route have significantly accelerated manufacturing capacity, innovation, and patent filing activity.[1]
Diagnostic Imaging Equipment: A Major Growth Segment (2025–2030)
Within the medical devices ecosystem, diagnostic imaging equipment has emerged as a key growth driver, supporting early diagnosis, precision medicine, and technology-enabled clinical decision-making.
In 2025, the diagnostic imaging equipment market in India is estimated at Rs. 17,606 crore (approximately USD 2.06 billion). The segment is forecast to expand to Rs. 25,726 crore (approximately USD 3.01 billion) by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.92% during the period.[2]
Growth is driven by:
- Rising prevalence of chronic and lifestyle diseases
- Expansion of diagnostic infrastructure in Tier II and Tier III cities
- Increased adoption of MRI, CT, PET-CT, and digital X-ray systems
- Integration of AI-based image processing and analytics
From an intellectual property perspective, this segment presents substantial opportunities for patent protection in imaging hardware, AI-enabled diagnostics, system architecture, radiation optimisation technologies, and cloud-based imaging platforms.
Patent Protection Framework for Biomedical and Healthcare Innovations in India
Patentability Standards
Under the Patents Act, 1970, an invention must satisfy the requirements of:
- Novelty
- Inventive step
- Industrial applicability
Patentable subject matter in the biomedical and healthcare sector typically includes:
- Medical devices and apparatus
- Diagnostic instruments and systems
- AI-driven healthcare technologies demonstrating technical effect
- Integrated hardware–software healthcare solutions
Patents grant exclusive rights for a period of 20 years, enabling innovators to control commercial exploitation and licensing of their inventions.
Regulatory Definition of Medical Devices
While the Patents Act does not define “medical devices,” the Medical Device Rules, 2017 provide the operative regulatory definition. Medical devices include:
- In vitro diagnostic substances
- Surgical dressings, implants, and instruments
- Notified devices under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act framework
This definition is critical for aligning patent strategy with regulatory approval, compliance, and commercialisation pathways, particularly for international manufacturers entering the Indian market.[3]
Statutory Exclusions and Patentability Challenges
A key limitation under Indian patent law arises from Section 3(i) of the Patents Act, 1970, which excludes:
- Diagnostic methods
- Therapeutic methods
- Surgical methods practiced on humans or animals
As a result, healthcare innovators must structure patent claims around devices, systems, technical processes, and in vitro solutions, rather than clinical methods themselves. Strategic claim drafting plays a decisive role in securing enforceable protection.
Patent Filing Trends in India
India’s patent ecosystem has shown strong momentum in 2024–2025:
- Patent applications crossed 110,000 filings in FY 2024–25, reflecting nearly 20% year-on-year growth, driven by startups, academic institutions, and technology-focused enterprises.[4]
- Healthcare, medical devices, AI, and digital technologies are among the fastest-growing patent filing domains.
These trends underscore India’s transition toward an innovation-led, IP-driven economy.
Leading Indian Applicants for Patents in Information Technology
The growing convergence of information technology and healthcare innovation is reflected in patent filing data. IT-driven inventions form the backbone of modern biomedical technologies, including digital health platforms, diagnostic imaging software, AI-assisted clinical systems, and connected medical devices.
Recent data on the top Indian applicants for patents in the field of Information Technology is as follows:
| Sl. No. | Applicant | Patent Applications Filed |
| 1 | Lovely Professional University | 884 |
| 2 | Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 674 |
| 3 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | 652 |
| 4 | Jain (Deemed-to-be University) | 615 |
| 5 | Google LLC | 467 |
The strong presence of academic and research institutions highlights India’s growing emphasis on translational research and technology commercialisation. Simultaneously, multinational technology companies such as Samsung and Google reflect sustained global engagement in India’s innovation and patent ecosystem.
This trend has direct relevance for biomedical and healthcare innovation, where patents increasingly protect software-enabled systems, AI models, data-driven diagnostics, and integrated device platforms.
Domestic Companies and Startups
Indian enterprises and startups are increasingly active in diagnostics, imaging, digital health, and frugal innovation, supported by expedited examination mechanisms and international cooperation initiatives such as the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH).
Government Policy Support and Initiatives
India’s policy framework actively supports healthcare innovation through:
- National Medical Device Policy
- PLI schemes for medical devices
- Increased healthcare infrastructure investment
- Promotion of exports and global collaborations
These initiatives indirectly strengthen the patent ecosystem by incentivising R&D, domestic manufacturing, and global market integration.[6]
Strategic Importance of Biomedical Patents for Startups, MSMEs, and Global Enterprises
For startups and MSMEs, patents provide:
- Protection of core innovations
- Competitive differentiation
- Enhanced investor confidence and valuation
- Licensing and collaboration opportunities
For international companies, India is a strategically important jurisdiction for manufacturing, R&D, and patent portfolio expansion, particularly in cost-efficient and scalable healthcare technologies.
Future Outlook: Biomedical Patents and Global Opportunities
India’s biomedical and healthcare sector is poised for sustained growth, driven by:
- Expansion of diagnostic and preventive healthcare
- AI-enabled medical technologies
- Increasing domestic and global collaboration
- Strong policy and infrastructure support
As innovation accelerates, patents will remain central to commercialization, market access, and long-term competitiveness, positioning India as a key hub in the global healthcare IP landscape.
[1] https://www.ibef.org/industry/medical-devices#:~:text=India’s%20medical%20devices%20market%20is%20the%20fourth%2Dlargest,and%20orthopaedic%20devices%20*%20Diagnostic%20imaging%20equipment
[2] https://www.ibef.org/industry/medical-devices#:~:text=India’s%20medical%20devices%20market%20is%20the%20fourth%2Dlargest,and%20orthopaedic%20devices%20*%20Diagnostic%20imaging%20equipment
[3] Medical Device Rules, 2017, Government of India
[4] Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications, Annual Report 2024-25
[5] Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Geographical Indications, Annual Report 2024-25
[6] https://www.ibef.org/industry/medical-devices#:~:text=India’s%20medical%20devices%20market%20is%20the%20fourth%2Dlargest,and%20orthopaedic%20devices%20*%20Diagnostic%20imaging%20equipment