In a recent judgment, the Allahabad High Court emphasized that judicial intervention in matters governed by the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002, should be limited to instances where banks have acted either unlawfully or with mala fide intent.
The division bench, comprising Justice Shekhar B. Saraf and Justice Dr. Yogendra Kumar Srivastava, cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in United Bank of India vs. Satyawati Tondon & Others to support its stance. The bench noted, “Interference by this Court in SARFAESI-related issues is not warranted unless a clear case of illegality or bad faith is established on the part of the bank authorities.”
This section empowers financial institutions to recover dues by enforcing security interests if a borrower fails to repay within 60 days after receiving a demand notice under Section 13(2).
The petitioner argued that the bank did not respond to their objection filed under Section 13(3A) before initiating recovery action under Section 13(4). However, upon reviewing the documents submitted, the court found that the bank had issued an order addressing the objection and attempted to serve it via post. Though delivery to two of the petitioners was unsuccessful due to the premises being locked, the court acknowledged that proper service to one petitioner may not have occurred. Despite this, the petitioners had received the Section 13(4) notice and had subsequently challenged it before the Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT).
The High Court pointed out that the petitioners initially failed to inform the court that they had already approached the DRT. This fact only came to light through a supplementary affidavit filed later. The court observed that since the petitioners had already sought remedy before the DRT, pursuing the same grievance through a writ petition constituted a case of attempting to “sail in two boats.”
“The existence of an order under Section 13(3A), the efforts made to deliver it, and the petitioners’ acknowledgment of the Section 13(4) notice suggest that they had the opportunity to raise their concerns before the appropriate forum. Having done so, they cannot now bypass that process by invoking the writ jurisdiction of this Court,” the bench observed.
The court further highlighted that the petitioners had already raised the same objections regarding Section 13(3A) in their application before the DRT, rendering their writ plea redundant.
Reaffirming the precedent set by the Supreme Court in Satyawati Tondon, the High Court stressed that although the Constitution allows for writ petitions even where alternate remedies exist, such discretion should be exercised sparingly when an effective statutory mechanism is available.
With no evidence of mala fide conduct by the bank and considering that the asset sale had already occurred, the court found no reason to intervene. Consequently, the writ petition was dismissed.
AI
India Sees 310% Rise in Patent Filings by Startups and MSMEs in Last Five Years
India has witnessed an extraordinary increase in patent filings by startups and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with data revealing a 310% growth over the past five years. This surge underscores the country’s growing focus on innovation, research, and intellectual property protection among emerging businesses.
According to recent government and industry data, this dramatic rise in patent activity reflects the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at nurturing a robust innovation ecosystem. Supportive policies, such as reduced filing fees, fast-track examination processes, and government-backed awareness programs, have played a critical role in encouraging smaller enterprises and startups to safeguard their inventions.
Experts believe that the increasing participation of startups and MSMEs in patenting not only signals a maturing entrepreneurial landscape but also positions India as a rising innovation hub on the global stage.
Government officials have noted that this trend aligns with the vision of making India self-reliant and technology-driven. The growing number of intellectual property filings by smaller players is also contributing to job creation, export potential, and overall economic growth.
The momentum is expected to continue as more early-stage ventures recognize the strategic value of protecting their intellectual property, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, clean energy, and digital technologies.
According to recent government and industry data, this dramatic rise in patent activity reflects the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at nurturing a robust innovation ecosystem. Supportive policies, such as reduced filing fees, fast-track examination processes, and government-backed awareness programs, have played a critical role in encouraging smaller enterprises and startups to safeguard their inventions.
Experts believe that the increasing participation of startups and MSMEs in patenting not only signals a maturing entrepreneurial landscape but also positions India as a rising innovation hub on the global stage.
Government officials have noted that this trend aligns with the vision of making India self-reliant and technology-driven. The growing number of intellectual property filings by smaller players is also contributing to job creation, export potential, and overall economic growth.
The momentum is expected to continue as more early-stage ventures recognize the strategic value of protecting their intellectual property, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, clean energy, and digital technologies.
India Strengthens Its Global Standing in AI and Patent Innovation: Nasscom’s Patent Pulse 2025 Report
As World Intellectual Property (IP) Day is observed globally, India has emerged as a prominent player in the international innovation ecosystem.
India maintained its rank as the fifth-largest patent filer worldwide in FY24, with over 90,000 patents submitted—a milestone marking seven consecutive years of growth. A notable portion of these patents, more than 25%, are linked to AI technologies, underlining India’s growing reputation as a center for advanced technological development.
The report also reveals a steady rise in the country’s innovation output. India’s patent-to-GDP ratio more than doubled in a decade, increasing from 144 in 2013 to 381 in 2023. Additionally, India’s share in global patent grants grew from 1.7% in 2022 to 3.8% in 2023—a 149% year-on-year increase.
For the first time, the number of granted patents in India crossed 100,000 in FY24, indicating both enhanced operational efficiency at the Indian Patent Office and an improvement in the quality of applications. A growing share of these filings—over 55%—were submitted by Indian residents, compared to 52.3% the previous year. Contributions from startups, academic institutions, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are playing an increasingly vital role, showing a broadening base of innovation.
Artificial Intelligence remains a major driver of this progress. Since 2010, India has filed more than 86,000 AI-related patents, with filings between 2021 and 2025 rising seven times compared to the 2010–2015 period. Indian entities were responsible for 63% of these filings, signaling strong domestic innovation leadership in AI.
Machine Learning (ML) continues to dominate AI-related patents, accounting for over half of them. Within ML, Generative AI (GenAI) has become a significant focus area. In India, GenAI makes up 28% of AI patents, far exceeding the global average of just 6%, placing the country among the top five globally in this space.
Key sectors driving AI patent activity include transportation, which accounts for more than 70% of AI filings, as well as computer vision and natural language processing, which together represent over 90% of India’s AI-related patents.
India’s grant rate for AI patents stands at only 0.37%, significantly behind global leaders such as the United States and China. The gap is even wider in academia, where the approval rate is just 1%, compared to 40% for corporate applicants.
This gap reflects the need for improved research capabilities, stronger institutional support, and a greater emphasis on producing high-quality intellectual property.
Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom, recognized India’s progress but emphasized that more work is needed. “While the increase in filings and patent office responsiveness are encouraging, delays in approvals and inconsistent patent quality remain barriers to matching global benchmarks,” he stated.
To support ongoing improvements, Nasscom has introduced the IP Enablement Initiative. This program aims to boost IP literacy and infrastructure across academia, startups, and industry. It also calls for policy reforms and a cultural shift to encourage innovation and higher-quality IP creation nationwide.
India maintained its rank as the fifth-largest patent filer worldwide in FY24, with over 90,000 patents submitted—a milestone marking seven consecutive years of growth. A notable portion of these patents, more than 25%, are linked to AI technologies, underlining India’s growing reputation as a center for advanced technological development.
The report also reveals a steady rise in the country’s innovation output. India’s patent-to-GDP ratio more than doubled in a decade, increasing from 144 in 2013 to 381 in 2023. Additionally, India’s share in global patent grants grew from 1.7% in 2022 to 3.8% in 2023—a 149% year-on-year increase.
For the first time, the number of granted patents in India crossed 100,000 in FY24, indicating both enhanced operational efficiency at the Indian Patent Office and an improvement in the quality of applications. A growing share of these filings—over 55%—were submitted by Indian residents, compared to 52.3% the previous year. Contributions from startups, academic institutions, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are playing an increasingly vital role, showing a broadening base of innovation.
Artificial Intelligence remains a major driver of this progress. Since 2010, India has filed more than 86,000 AI-related patents, with filings between 2021 and 2025 rising seven times compared to the 2010–2015 period. Indian entities were responsible for 63% of these filings, signaling strong domestic innovation leadership in AI.
Machine Learning (ML) continues to dominate AI-related patents, accounting for over half of them. Within ML, Generative AI (GenAI) has become a significant focus area. In India, GenAI makes up 28% of AI patents, far exceeding the global average of just 6%, placing the country among the top five globally in this space.
Key sectors driving AI patent activity include transportation, which accounts for more than 70% of AI filings, as well as computer vision and natural language processing, which together represent over 90% of India’s AI-related patents.
India’s grant rate for AI patents stands at only 0.37%, significantly behind global leaders such as the United States and China. The gap is even wider in academia, where the approval rate is just 1%, compared to 40% for corporate applicants.
This gap reflects the need for improved research capabilities, stronger institutional support, and a greater emphasis on producing high-quality intellectual property.
Rajesh Nambiar, President of Nasscom, recognized India’s progress but emphasized that more work is needed. “While the increase in filings and patent office responsiveness are encouraging, delays in approvals and inconsistent patent quality remain barriers to matching global benchmarks,” he stated.
To support ongoing improvements, Nasscom has introduced the IP Enablement Initiative. This program aims to boost IP literacy and infrastructure across academia, startups, and industry. It also calls for policy reforms and a cultural shift to encourage innovation and higher-quality IP creation nationwide.
IIT Madras Files 417 Patents in 2024–25, Surpassing Director’s Vision of ‘One Patent a Day’
In a remarkable milestone for innovation in India’s academic landscape, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has filed an unprecedented 417 patents during the financial year 2024–25.
The announcement marks a historic achievement for IIT Madras, reaffirming its position as a national leader in research-driven technological innovation and intellectual property (IP) creation.
Vision Turned Reality
The “One Patent a Day” vision was first articulated by Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, who urged faculty and researchers to not only focus on academic excellence but to actively translate their ideas into protected innovations with real-world impact.
“This achievement is not just a number. It reflects the creative energy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to societal impact that drives our research culture,” said Prof. Kamakoti in a statement. “We are proud to lead by example in integrating innovation with nation-building.”
Record-Breaking Year for Innovation
The 417 patent filings in 2024–25 represent a significant increase from previous years. These patents span a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, including:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Healthcare diagnostics and medical devices
Clean energy solutions and sustainable materials
Robotics and automation
Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 applications
Next-generation communication systems
Many of the patents have already been licensed to startups incubated at IIT Madras’ Research Park and incubation centers, contributing to a thriving innovation ecosystem that bridges academia and industry.
Empowering Student and Faculty Innovators
A significant portion of the filings came from student-led projects and interdisciplinary research teams, thanks to initiatives like the Nirmaan pre-incubation program, Centre for Innovation (CFI), and IP awareness workshops organized regularly across departments.
The institute has also strengthened its internal IP support systems, offering legal guidance, funding assistance, and mentoring to convert lab research into patentable inventions.
National and Global Impact
IIT Madras’ patent momentum aligns with India’s growing focus on becoming a global innovation hub. The institute’s contributions are seen as a major force behind India’s rising patent output, particularly in emerging tech areas that are central to the country’s digital and industrial transformation.
In addition, several international collaborations with universities and research institutions in the U.S., Europe, and Asia have helped foster a culture of global research with local relevance.
Looking Ahead
With the “One Patent a Day” goal not only met but surpassed, IIT Madras now sets its sights on commercialization, scalability, and societal deployment of its innovations.
“We don’t just want patents. We want impact,” said Prof. Kamakoti. “Our next big push will be in ensuring these technologies are transferred to industry, implemented in society, and made accessible to all.”
As India pushes forward on its innovation and startup journey, IIT Madras’ achievement serves as a shining example of how academic institutions can be at the heart of transformative change.
The announcement marks a historic achievement for IIT Madras, reaffirming its position as a national leader in research-driven technological innovation and intellectual property (IP) creation.
Vision Turned Reality
The “One Patent a Day” vision was first articulated by Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, who urged faculty and researchers to not only focus on academic excellence but to actively translate their ideas into protected innovations with real-world impact.
“This achievement is not just a number. It reflects the creative energy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and commitment to societal impact that drives our research culture,” said Prof. Kamakoti in a statement. “We are proud to lead by example in integrating innovation with nation-building.”
Record-Breaking Year for Innovation
The 417 patent filings in 2024–25 represent a significant increase from previous years. These patents span a wide range of cutting-edge technologies, including:
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Healthcare diagnostics and medical devices
Clean energy solutions and sustainable materials
Robotics and automation
Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 applications
Next-generation communication systems
Many of the patents have already been licensed to startups incubated at IIT Madras’ Research Park and incubation centers, contributing to a thriving innovation ecosystem that bridges academia and industry.
Empowering Student and Faculty Innovators
A significant portion of the filings came from student-led projects and interdisciplinary research teams, thanks to initiatives like the Nirmaan pre-incubation program, Centre for Innovation (CFI), and IP awareness workshops organized regularly across departments.
The institute has also strengthened its internal IP support systems, offering legal guidance, funding assistance, and mentoring to convert lab research into patentable inventions.
National and Global Impact
IIT Madras’ patent momentum aligns with India’s growing focus on becoming a global innovation hub. The institute’s contributions are seen as a major force behind India’s rising patent output, particularly in emerging tech areas that are central to the country’s digital and industrial transformation.
In addition, several international collaborations with universities and research institutions in the U.S., Europe, and Asia have helped foster a culture of global research with local relevance.
Looking Ahead
With the “One Patent a Day” goal not only met but surpassed, IIT Madras now sets its sights on commercialization, scalability, and societal deployment of its innovations.
“We don’t just want patents. We want impact,” said Prof. Kamakoti. “Our next big push will be in ensuring these technologies are transferred to industry, implemented in society, and made accessible to all.”
As India pushes forward on its innovation and startup journey, IIT Madras’ achievement serves as a shining example of how academic institutions can be at the heart of transformative change.
AI Boom: Over 86,000 AI Patents Filed Between 2010–2025, Representing Over a Quarter of All Tech Patents
The rapid ascent of artificial intelligence (AI) is not only transforming industries but is also reshaping the intellectual property landscape. Recent data reveals that more than 86,000 AI-related patents have been filed globally between 2010 and 2025, marking a dramatic surge in innovation and investment in the field. These AI patents now account for over 25% of all technology-related patent filings during the same period, underscoring AI’s central role in shaping the future of technology.
Accelerated Growth in AI Innovation
The number of AI patent filings has seen exponential growth, especially in the last five years, driven by breakthroughs in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and generative AI. The surge reflects both the maturity of AI research and its widespread commercial adoption across industries ranging from healthcare and finance to automotive and entertainment.
Leading patent offices, including the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), have all reported significant increases in AI-related submissions. China and the United States are at the forefront of this trend, with companies like IBM, Microsoft, Google, Baidu, and Alibaba leading the charge in filing AI innovations.
Key Areas of AI Patent Activity
The 86,000+ patents span a wide range of applications, including:
Autonomous vehicles and driver-assistance systems
AI-powered healthcare diagnostics and drug discovery tools
Smart assistants and voice recognition platforms
AI in cybersecurity, including threat detection and automated response
The expansion of AI into nearly every facet of modern life has fueled demand for proprietary protection, as businesses race to secure their intellectual property in a competitive and fast-moving market.
Implications for the Tech Industry
The fact that more than a quarter of all tech patents in the past 15 years are AI-related signals a major paradigm shift. According to intellectual property analysts, this shift highlights both the strategic importance of AI and the increasing complexity of patent landscapes, which may lead to a rise in patent disputes and licensing negotiations in the near future.
Legal experts warn that the rush to patent AI innovations also raises questions about patent quality, the scope of protection, and ethical considerations, particularly when it comes to inventions generated by AI itself.
The Road Ahead
With ongoing advancements in generative AI, robotics, and quantum computing, the number of AI-related patent filings is expected to keep climbing. Governments and regulatory bodies are also paying closer attention to how AI patents are evaluated, ensuring that innovation is balanced with responsibility and legal clarity.
Accelerated Growth in AI Innovation
The number of AI patent filings has seen exponential growth, especially in the last five years, driven by breakthroughs in machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and generative AI. The surge reflects both the maturity of AI research and its widespread commercial adoption across industries ranging from healthcare and finance to automotive and entertainment.
Leading patent offices, including the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Patent Office (EPO), and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), have all reported significant increases in AI-related submissions. China and the United States are at the forefront of this trend, with companies like IBM, Microsoft, Google, Baidu, and Alibaba leading the charge in filing AI innovations.
Key Areas of AI Patent Activity
The 86,000+ patents span a wide range of applications, including:
Autonomous vehicles and driver-assistance systems
AI-powered healthcare diagnostics and drug discovery tools
Smart assistants and voice recognition platforms
AI in cybersecurity, including threat detection and automated response
The expansion of AI into nearly every facet of modern life has fueled demand for proprietary protection, as businesses race to secure their intellectual property in a competitive and fast-moving market.
Implications for the Tech Industry
The fact that more than a quarter of all tech patents in the past 15 years are AI-related signals a major paradigm shift. According to intellectual property analysts, this shift highlights both the strategic importance of AI and the increasing complexity of patent landscapes, which may lead to a rise in patent disputes and licensing negotiations in the near future.
Legal experts warn that the rush to patent AI innovations also raises questions about patent quality, the scope of protection, and ethical considerations, particularly when it comes to inventions generated by AI itself.
The Road Ahead
With ongoing advancements in generative AI, robotics, and quantum computing, the number of AI-related patent filings is expected to keep climbing. Governments and regulatory bodies are also paying closer attention to how AI patents are evaluated, ensuring that innovation is balanced with responsibility and legal clarity.
Ola Group Leads India’s Deep-Tech Charge with Unmatched Patent Portfolio
Ola Group, which operates across ride-hailing, electric mobility, and artificial intelligence, has emerged as a technological frontrunner among India’s startups. The company now holds more than 50% of all patents filed by India’s 117 unicorns, according to data from the Indian Patent Advanced Search (IPAS) System.
Collectively, Indian unicorns have filed just 229 patents—highlighting a relatively modest focus on intellectual property within the startup ecosystem. In contrast, the Ola Group alone has filed over 650 patent applications, with 180 already approved. The majority of these filings come from Ola Electric, the EV-focused arm of the group, which contributes nearly 70-80% of the total.
Ola’s founder, Bhavish Aggarwal, recently commented on the milestone via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
Despite this achievement, 101 of the 117 unicorns in India have reportedly not filed a single patent, underscoring a broader trend of prioritizing market growth and valuations over core technology development.
Leading India’s Deep-Tech Push
In FY23 alone, Ola Electric filed 205 patents, making it the top EV patent filer in India. These filings cover a wide range of areas, including battery technology, vehicle software, artificial intelligence, and advanced safety systems.
Ola Electric has also significantly increased its investment in research and development. The company spent ₹507 crore on R&D in FY23—amounting to 19.3% of its total revenue, a dramatic rise from ₹175 crore the previous year. Looking ahead, the company plans to invest ₹1,600 crore in R&D over FY25 to FY27.
But 650 applied patents is not enough — we’ll be accelerating innovation even more in the coming years!”
Global IP Footprint
Ola’s innovation drive extends beyond India. The group has also secured patents in key international markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, China, and Australia—strengthening its position as a globally competitive tech enterprise.
At a time when much of India’s startup scene remains focused on rapid scale and consumer acquisition, Ola’s focus on proprietary technology and IP development sets it apart as a leader in India’s emerging deep-tech economy.
Collectively, Indian unicorns have filed just 229 patents—highlighting a relatively modest focus on intellectual property within the startup ecosystem. In contrast, the Ola Group alone has filed over 650 patent applications, with 180 already approved. The majority of these filings come from Ola Electric, the EV-focused arm of the group, which contributes nearly 70-80% of the total.
Ola’s founder, Bhavish Aggarwal, recently commented on the milestone via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
Despite this achievement, 101 of the 117 unicorns in India have reportedly not filed a single patent, underscoring a broader trend of prioritizing market growth and valuations over core technology development.
Leading India’s Deep-Tech Push
In FY23 alone, Ola Electric filed 205 patents, making it the top EV patent filer in India. These filings cover a wide range of areas, including battery technology, vehicle software, artificial intelligence, and advanced safety systems.
Ola Electric has also significantly increased its investment in research and development. The company spent ₹507 crore on R&D in FY23—amounting to 19.3% of its total revenue, a dramatic rise from ₹175 crore the previous year. Looking ahead, the company plans to invest ₹1,600 crore in R&D over FY25 to FY27.
But 650 applied patents is not enough — we’ll be accelerating innovation even more in the coming years!”
Global IP Footprint
Ola’s innovation drive extends beyond India. The group has also secured patents in key international markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, China, and Australia—strengthening its position as a globally competitive tech enterprise.
At a time when much of India’s startup scene remains focused on rapid scale and consumer acquisition, Ola’s focus on proprietary technology and IP development sets it apart as a leader in India’s emerging deep-tech economy.
Safe Pro Group Expands Global Patent Portfolio for AI-Powered Threat Detection Technology
Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leading provider of AI-driven defense and security technologies with a market capitalization of $37.32 million, announced the successful completion of national phase patent filings across nearly 50 international jurisdictions. This strategic move aims to secure global protection for the company’s proprietary technology that detects small-scale lethal threats—such as landmines and unexploded ordnance—through artificial intelligence and drone imagery.
These filings stem from the company’s International Patent Application No. PCT/US2023/029909, published on March 21, 2024. The new filings mark a significant expansion of Safe Pro Group’s intellectual property, building on its foundational U.S. Patent No. 12,146,729. That patent, valid through 2043, covers 21 specific claims focused on using AI to identify explosive threats within orthomosaic drone images.
This global IP footprint enhances the company’s position in the defense tech sector at a time when geopolitical tensions are raising demand for next-generation threat detection solutions.
Safe Pro Group’s stock has experienced upward momentum, gaining over 10% in the past week, according to data from InvestingPro. The company also maintains a strong liquidity profile, with a current ratio of 3.08, suggesting solid financial health and short-term stability despite ongoing investments.
Expanding the Reach of SPOTD Technology
At the core of Safe Pro’s innovation is its Safe Pro Object Threat Detection (SPOTD) system—a patented AI-powered platform capable of detecting more than 150 types of hazardous items, from anti-personnel mines to improvised explosive devices. The technology is engineered to integrate seamlessly with military command systems, offering real-time alerts through a range of connected devices and communications networks.
“Our patent strategy reflects the rising importance of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems on the battlefield. SPOTD addresses a critical need to accurately identify threats in increasingly complex and dangerous environments.”
Erdberg noted that the SPOTD system’s relevance is further amplified by evolving geopolitical dynamics, including discussions among some NATO countries around the 1997 Landmine Convention, which restricts the use of anti-personnel mines.
Operational Milestones and Government Engagement
Safe Pro Group has recently completed its first data delivery under a U.S. Government contract, leveraging its SpotlightAI™ platform. The dataset, collected over two years of operations in Ukraine, comprises more than 1.29 million drone images and the identification of over 23,000 explosive threats, underscoring the system’s scalability and accuracy in real-world conflict zones.
The company’s services extend beyond defense. This collaboration enhances the utility’s infrastructure inspection capabilities using advanced drone and AI technology—an indication of Safe Pro’s growing footprint in both public and private sectors.
Looking ahead, Safe Pro Group is scheduled to present its landmine detection technology at SAGEEP 2025, a premier conference focused on geophysical engineering and environmental protection. The presentation will spotlight how AI and drone integration are transforming humanitarian demining and security operations.
Positioned for Growth
Backed by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Safe Pro’s AI solutions cater to military, law enforcement, humanitarian, and commercial users. According to InvestingPro, the company achieved a 136% revenue increase over the past 12 months, although it remains in its investment phase with negative earnings as it scales its operations and R&D.
With a robust patent portfolio, growing government partnerships, and AI capabilities that address high-stakes global challenges, Safe Pro Group is positioning itself as a critical player in the next generation of defense and security technologies.
These filings stem from the company’s International Patent Application No. PCT/US2023/029909, published on March 21, 2024. The new filings mark a significant expansion of Safe Pro Group’s intellectual property, building on its foundational U.S. Patent No. 12,146,729. That patent, valid through 2043, covers 21 specific claims focused on using AI to identify explosive threats within orthomosaic drone images.
This global IP footprint enhances the company’s position in the defense tech sector at a time when geopolitical tensions are raising demand for next-generation threat detection solutions.
Safe Pro Group’s stock has experienced upward momentum, gaining over 10% in the past week, according to data from InvestingPro. The company also maintains a strong liquidity profile, with a current ratio of 3.08, suggesting solid financial health and short-term stability despite ongoing investments.
Expanding the Reach of SPOTD Technology
At the core of Safe Pro’s innovation is its Safe Pro Object Threat Detection (SPOTD) system—a patented AI-powered platform capable of detecting more than 150 types of hazardous items, from anti-personnel mines to improvised explosive devices. The technology is engineered to integrate seamlessly with military command systems, offering real-time alerts through a range of connected devices and communications networks.
“Our patent strategy reflects the rising importance of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems on the battlefield. SPOTD addresses a critical need to accurately identify threats in increasingly complex and dangerous environments.”
Erdberg noted that the SPOTD system’s relevance is further amplified by evolving geopolitical dynamics, including discussions among some NATO countries around the 1997 Landmine Convention, which restricts the use of anti-personnel mines.
Operational Milestones and Government Engagement
Safe Pro Group has recently completed its first data delivery under a U.S. Government contract, leveraging its SpotlightAI™ platform. The dataset, collected over two years of operations in Ukraine, comprises more than 1.29 million drone images and the identification of over 23,000 explosive threats, underscoring the system’s scalability and accuracy in real-world conflict zones.
The company’s services extend beyond defense. This collaboration enhances the utility’s infrastructure inspection capabilities using advanced drone and AI technology—an indication of Safe Pro’s growing footprint in both public and private sectors.
Looking ahead, Safe Pro Group is scheduled to present its landmine detection technology at SAGEEP 2025, a premier conference focused on geophysical engineering and environmental protection. The presentation will spotlight how AI and drone integration are transforming humanitarian demining and security operations.
Positioned for Growth
Backed by Amazon Web Services (AWS), Safe Pro’s AI solutions cater to military, law enforcement, humanitarian, and commercial users. According to InvestingPro, the company achieved a 136% revenue increase over the past 12 months, although it remains in its investment phase with negative earnings as it scales its operations and R&D.
With a robust patent portfolio, growing government partnerships, and AI capabilities that address high-stakes global challenges, Safe Pro Group is positioning itself as a critical player in the next generation of defense and security technologies.
USPTO Suspends Expedited Examination for Design Applications Amid Fraud Concerns and Case Backlog
In a decisive move aimed at improving efficiency and safeguarding the integrity of the U.S. intellectual property system, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced the suspension of expedited examination for design patent applications, effective April 17, 2025. The policy change was officially detailed in a notice published in the USPTO’s Official Gazette on April 14.
The decision comes in response to a 560% surge in requests for expedited design application reviews—a trend the USPTO attributes in large part to a rise in fraudulent filings. This suspension is part of a broader strategy to reduce the growing inventory of unexamined design applications, curb misuse of the system, and ensure accurate and fair processing for legitimate applicants.
Key Reasons Behind the Suspension
According to the USPTO, the unexpected spike in expedited examination requests has placed significant pressure on examiners and contributed to increased backlogs in the design application pipeline. Much of this rise, the agency notes, is linked to fraudulent filings, which not only distort processing timelines but also pose risks to the integrity of the U.S. intellectual property system.
The USPTO also cites a rise in erroneous micro entity certifications—false claims to fee discounts intended for small applicants—as a factor in its decision. These certifications have become a growing concern in recent years, complicating the patent review process and necessitating additional scrutiny.
What the Suspension Means for Applicants
Starting April 17, 2025, the USPTO will no longer grant requests for expedited examination of design applications, including any renewed or pending requests submitted on or after that date. In line with this change:
Associated fees will be refunded in full for requests made after the effective date.
The USPTO will continue to examine design applications under its standard timeline, as it works to reduce overall pendency and inventory.
Impact on the Design Patent Community
The suspension will have a notable impact on companies and individuals relying on faster design patent protection for products with short market cycles, particularly in sectors like fashion, consumer electronics, and packaging design. However, the USPTO maintains that ensuring quality and transparency in the application process outweighs the short-term disruption caused by the policy shift.
Industry analysts suggest that while the suspension may create delays for some innovators, the move is likely to improve the reliability and credibility of granted design patents in the long run, which is critical for both domestic and international enforcement.
Broader Reform Efforts
This policy change is one component of the USPTO’s wider agenda to combat abuse and strengthen the integrity of the IP system. The office has been ramping up enforcement against fraudulent filings, improving data analytics to detect suspicious activity, and refining procedures for certifying applicant eligibility for reduced fees.
The USPTO also continues to explore new technologies and staffing solutions to address examination delays and ensure legitimate applications are processed efficiently.
China Sees Sharp Decline in Invention Patent Grants in Q1 2025, Reflecting Shift Toward Patent Quality Over Quantity
China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) released new statistics on April 15, 2025, revealing a significant decline in invention patent grants during the first quarter of the year. According to the official data, the number of invention patents granted between January and March 2025 dropped by 20.99% year-on-year, amounting to a reduction of 52,870 patents, with a total of 199,012 invention patents granted during the period.
The downward trend was not isolated to invention patents alone. Utility model grants, another category of intellectual property protection frequently used in China, also saw a marginal decline of 2.33%, decreasing by 11,032 grants compared to the first quarter of 2024, bringing the total to 408,419 utility model grants.
However, in contrast to the broader decline, design patent grants recorded a notable increase. The CNIPA reported a 10.11% year-on-year growth, with 161,058 design patents granted in Q1 2025—an increase of 14,788 grants compared to the same period last year.
Trademark Registrations Also Down
The downturn extended into trademark registrations. From January to March 2025, the number of new trademarks registered in China fell by 193,996, reflecting a 14.97% decline compared to the first quarter of 2024. This slump may reflect broader economic uncertainties or shifts in business activity.
Factors Behind the Decline
While CNIPA has not issued an official explanation for the steep decline in invention patent grants, several contributing factors appear to be at play—chief among them, China’s evolving strategy around intellectual property quality and enforcement.
End of Patent Subsidies: Government subsidies for patent grants, once a major driver behind China’s patent filing boom, have officially ended in 2025. This move was aimed at reducing low-quality and opportunistic filings.
Crackdown on “Abnormal” Applications: Chinese authorities have continued to intensify scrutiny on fraudulent or low-value patent applications. This regulatory push has likely discouraged mass filing practices that previously inflated patent figures.
Shift Toward High-Value Patents: China has reoriented its IP strategy from emphasizing sheer volume to focusing on the number of high-value patents per 10,000 people, moving away from raw patent filing counts as the primary performance metric.
In addition, the broader slowdown in China’s economy may be influencing innovation output and intellectual property activity. However, due to the nature of patent processing timelines, such effects may manifest with a delay, making patent grants a lagging indicator of underlying economic trends.
Long-Term Outlook Remains Ambitious
Despite the recent decline, CNIPA’s 2025 budget signals continued confidence in long-term innovation momentum. The agency expects to receive over 5 million patent applications this year and plans to examine more than 2 million invention patent applications. These targets reflect China’s sustained investment in intellectual property infrastructure and commitment to fostering innovation at scale.
The full dataset, published in Chinese under the title “2025年3月国家知识产权局审查注册登记统计月报（外部版)”, offers a detailed monthly breakdown of IP activity and can be accessed through CNIPA’s official platform.
As China continues to prioritize patent quality and reform its intellectual property system, the first quarter data may represent more than just a temporary dip—it could signal a lasting transformation in how innovation is measured and rewarded in the world’s second-largest economy.
The downward trend was not isolated to invention patents alone. Utility model grants, another category of intellectual property protection frequently used in China, also saw a marginal decline of 2.33%, decreasing by 11,032 grants compared to the first quarter of 2024, bringing the total to 408,419 utility model grants.
However, in contrast to the broader decline, design patent grants recorded a notable increase. The CNIPA reported a 10.11% year-on-year growth, with 161,058 design patents granted in Q1 2025—an increase of 14,788 grants compared to the same period last year.
Trademark Registrations Also Down
The downturn extended into trademark registrations. From January to March 2025, the number of new trademarks registered in China fell by 193,996, reflecting a 14.97% decline compared to the first quarter of 2024. This slump may reflect broader economic uncertainties or shifts in business activity.
Factors Behind the Decline
While CNIPA has not issued an official explanation for the steep decline in invention patent grants, several contributing factors appear to be at play—chief among them, China’s evolving strategy around intellectual property quality and enforcement.
End of Patent Subsidies: Government subsidies for patent grants, once a major driver behind China’s patent filing boom, have officially ended in 2025. This move was aimed at reducing low-quality and opportunistic filings.
Crackdown on “Abnormal” Applications: Chinese authorities have continued to intensify scrutiny on fraudulent or low-value patent applications. This regulatory push has likely discouraged mass filing practices that previously inflated patent figures.
Shift Toward High-Value Patents: China has reoriented its IP strategy from emphasizing sheer volume to focusing on the number of high-value patents per 10,000 people, moving away from raw patent filing counts as the primary performance metric.
In addition, the broader slowdown in China’s economy may be influencing innovation output and intellectual property activity. However, due to the nature of patent processing timelines, such effects may manifest with a delay, making patent grants a lagging indicator of underlying economic trends.
Long-Term Outlook Remains Ambitious
Despite the recent decline, CNIPA’s 2025 budget signals continued confidence in long-term innovation momentum. The agency expects to receive over 5 million patent applications this year and plans to examine more than 2 million invention patent applications. These targets reflect China’s sustained investment in intellectual property infrastructure and commitment to fostering innovation at scale.
The full dataset, published in Chinese under the title “2025年3月国家知识产权局审查注册登记统计月报（外部版)”, offers a detailed monthly breakdown of IP activity and can be accessed through CNIPA’s official platform.
As China continues to prioritize patent quality and reform its intellectual property system, the first quarter data may represent more than just a temporary dip—it could signal a lasting transformation in how innovation is measured and rewarded in the world’s second-largest economy.
USPTO Streamlines Patent Issuance Timeline with Faster Turnaround Starting May 13
In a move that promises to bring greater efficiency to the U.S. patent system, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has announced a major update to its patent issuance process.
This improvement marks a significant shift in the patenting landscape, providing faster legal recognition of inventions and reducing administrative lag for both individual inventors and companies awaiting protection for their intellectual property.
Transition to Digital Patent Grants Accelerates the Process
The accelerated timeline has been made possible in large part due to the USPTO’s adoption of electronic patent grants (eGrants). With the USPTO now fully transitioned to digital issuance, those time-consuming steps have been eliminated, allowing for quicker finalization of granted patents.
The agency has stated that, once all requirements are met and the Issue Fee is paid, inventors typically receive an Issue Notification within one to two weeks. Under the new process, the formal patent will be granted just two weeks after this notification, as opposed to the previous three-week standard.
Benefits for Inventors and Legal Professionals
This change not only shortens the waiting period for inventors eager to see their rights formally granted, but it also has strategic legal benefits. The reduced timeline cuts down the so-called “lame duck” period—a window of time during which inventors and their legal counsel are still required to submit any known prior art that might affect the patent’s validity. During this period, submissions of relevant information could cause delays in issuance.
By shortening this window, the USPTO effectively reduces the likelihood of last-minute delays caused by prior art disclosures, allowing for smoother and more predictable patent finalizations.
A Win for Innovation and IP Management
The streamlined process is being welcomed by the patent community as a step in the right direction. Faster issuance allows inventors to enforce their rights sooner, boosts the value of patent portfolios more quickly, and provides an advantage to companies working in fast-moving sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and biotech.
“This is a smart move by the USPTO,” said a patent attorney at a Washington-based IP law firm. “In a time where speed to market can make or break an invention’s commercial potential, cutting down unnecessary administrative lag can be a game-changer.”
Looking Ahead
The USPTO has been steadily modernizing its systems to better serve inventors, including the roll-out of digital filing systems, the modernization of examiner tools, and now this reduction in issuance lag. These changes reflect the agency’s ongoing commitment to streamlining operations while maintaining high standards for patent examination and grant quality.
As of May 13, inventors who receive their issue notifications can expect to see their patents granted just two weeks later—giving them the legal recognition and rights they’ve earned, faster than ever before.
This improvement marks a significant shift in the patenting landscape, providing faster legal recognition of inventions and reducing administrative lag for both individual inventors and companies awaiting protection for their intellectual property.
Transition to Digital Patent Grants Accelerates the Process
The accelerated timeline has been made possible in large part due to the USPTO’s adoption of electronic patent grants (eGrants). With the USPTO now fully transitioned to digital issuance, those time-consuming steps have been eliminated, allowing for quicker finalization of granted patents.
The agency has stated that, once all requirements are met and the Issue Fee is paid, inventors typically receive an Issue Notification within one to two weeks. Under the new process, the formal patent will be granted just two weeks after this notification, as opposed to the previous three-week standard.
Benefits for Inventors and Legal Professionals
This change not only shortens the waiting period for inventors eager to see their rights formally granted, but it also has strategic legal benefits. The reduced timeline cuts down the so-called “lame duck” period—a window of time during which inventors and their legal counsel are still required to submit any known prior art that might affect the patent’s validity. During this period, submissions of relevant information could cause delays in issuance.
By shortening this window, the USPTO effectively reduces the likelihood of last-minute delays caused by prior art disclosures, allowing for smoother and more predictable patent finalizations.
A Win for Innovation and IP Management
The streamlined process is being welcomed by the patent community as a step in the right direction. Faster issuance allows inventors to enforce their rights sooner, boosts the value of patent portfolios more quickly, and provides an advantage to companies working in fast-moving sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and biotech.
“This is a smart move by the USPTO,” said a patent attorney at a Washington-based IP law firm. “In a time where speed to market can make or break an invention’s commercial potential, cutting down unnecessary administrative lag can be a game-changer.”
Looking Ahead
The USPTO has been steadily modernizing its systems to better serve inventors, including the roll-out of digital filing systems, the modernization of examiner tools, and now this reduction in issuance lag. These changes reflect the agency’s ongoing commitment to streamlining operations while maintaining high standards for patent examination and grant quality.
As of May 13, inventors who receive their issue notifications can expect to see their patents granted just two weeks later—giving them the legal recognition and rights they’ve earned, faster than ever before.