Biological Diversity Act Reforms Drive Surge in IPR Filings: Government Data Shows Strong Uptick
Streamlined regulations and mandatory registration boost transparency, innovation, and compliance across sectors
New Delhi, April 1, 2026 Regulatory reforms introduced under the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 have led to a notable rise in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) applications linked to India’s biological resources, according to data released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The increase reflects a growing alignment between biodiversity conservation, scientific research, and industrial innovation. At the center of this shift is the strengthened regulatory framework implemented by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), which now mandates prior registration for entities seeking IPR based on biological resources sourced from India.
Under the amended provisions, applicants falling under Section 7 of the Act must obtain a Certificate of Registration (CoR) before filing for patents or other IPR claims. This requirement has significantly improved compliance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the use of biological resources adheres to national laws and principles of equitable benefit sharing.
The data indicates a clear upward trend. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the NBA received approximately 857 IPR applications and issued 792 CoRs. This number increased in the following year, with 1,077 applications received and 885 certificates granted between April 2025 and March 2026.
Applications have been submitted across diverse sectors, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, food sciences, and biomedical engineering, highlighting the widespread adoption of the revised regulatory system.
The amendment has also simplified approval processes by introducing well-defined pathways, moving towards a more efficient registration-based framework. This has not only facilitated ease of doing research and business but also ensured that innovation remains aligned with environmental sustainability.
Overall, the reforms under the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 are fostering a balanced ecosystem—encouraging innovation while safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring fair benefits for stakeholders.
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