AI is expected to significantly accelerate patent creation within India's tech hubs, according to executives from global and local firms. Radhakrishnan Kodakkal, head of Daimler Truck Innovation Center India, highlighted that the number of intellectual properties, patents, and trade secrets generated by global companies in India is already on the rise. He emphasized that AI will further speed up this process, making India a more prominent player in global innovation.

India's tech hubs have evolved beyond their traditional roles as low-cost back-office centers. They are now emerging as key innovation centers for multinational corporations. AI tools are playing a crucial role in this transformation by handling complex tasks such as coding, design, and research, which are essential for developing new products and services. This shift is attracting more investment and attention from global firms looking to leverage India's growing technological capabilities.

Last fiscal year, Indian global capability centers (GCCs) generated about $98.4 billion in revenue, surpassing industry projections by four years, according to a report by Nasscom and consultancy Zinnov. Additionally, patent filings in India rose by 11.3% to over 90,000 in fiscal 2024, with nearly half of these filings coming from multinational companies. These figures underscore the growing importance of India in the global innovation landscape.

Despite the growth in patent filings, challenges remain within the Indian Patent Office. Backlog and manpower shortages have long slowed the pace of examination and grant, according to Harsh Kaushik, a New Delhi-based expert. Some companies, like Kimberly-Clark, still prefer to file patents through the U.S. due to these difficulties. However, as AI tools improve efficiency, the Indian Patent Office may see increased pressure to modernize its processes and reduce delays.

For Indian builders, the integration of AI into patent creation processes presents both opportunities and challenges. While it can enhance innovation and reduce time-to-market for new products, it also raises concerns about cost, vendor lock-in, and governance. As AI tools become more sophisticated, Indian firms will need to navigate these complexities carefully to ensure they remain competitive on the global stage.