Innovation is a Symbol of Sovereignty and Will Drive India’s Global Progress: Shri Piyush Goyal

New ISA Building to Serve as Foundation for R&D and Innovation in India’s Intellectual Property Ecosystem

Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the newly expanded ISA building of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in Dwarka, New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that innovation has been an integral part of India’s identity for centuries and is not a new phenomenon. Citing the Konark Temple as an example, he noted that the precision and engineering of such historic structures reflect the deep-rooted culture of innovation in the country for over a thousand years. He stated that innovation is not only a form of intellectual property but also a symbol of sovereignty, and it will play a crucial role in taking India forward in the world.

Shri Goyal pointed out that in every developed country, innovation, new ideas, research, and development have been priorities, and it is this focus that has led to their prosperity. The Minister stressed that the development of the country is riding on the shoulders of innovation and that the Intellectual Property ecosystem is now being recognised worldwide as a key enabler of growth. He expressed confidence that if all stakeholders perform their duties effectively, this institution will become the epicentre of the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047 and will serve as a foundation for research and development.

Union Minister of State for Ministry of Commerce & Industry Shri Jitin Prasada, said the growth of India under the leadership of the Prime Minister is remarkable, the growth of intellectual property is progressing very well, and that India will become a talent hub for electronics, IT, and semiconductors.

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to strengthening India’s intellectual property infrastructure. To support India’s role as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), an ISA/IPEA building was constructed in 2014, comprising the ground and first floors. With the Indian IP ecosystem witnessing unprecedented growth, the Government approved the construction of an expanded building in 2018. The project, undertaken by the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC), was completed in 2025.

The expansion involved the renovation of the existing ISA building and the addition of five new floors, from the second to the seventh, increasing the total built-up area to 140,120 square feet. The facility can now accommodate over 700 personnel, compared to the earlier capacity of 200 in the old 6,082-square-foot IPO building. The project, costing approximately ₹88 crore, features modern architectural design to maximise workspace and promote efficiency.

The ground and first floors house the administrative and professional teams, including the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM). Floors two to six provide dedicated workspaces for officers handling patents, designs, copyrights, and trademarks, along with examination halls, technical and legal sections, and international affairs divisions.

The seventh floor hosts a state-of-the-art International Training Centre with five fully equipped training halls, high-speed internet connectivity, and modern digital tools for capacity building of IP professionals and stakeholders.

The building incorporates eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting, a sewage treatment plant (STP), and plant waste decomposers, in line with sustainable development goals. These facilities are expected to reduce maintenance costs, enhance productivity, and improve overall service delivery, thereby strengthening India’s position in global IP administration.