New Delhi, Dec. 4 -- At first glance, the Indian startup ecosystem appears to be in the midst of a historic intellectual-property (IP) boom. Patent filings by DPIIT-recognized startups have crossed 13,000 since 2021, trademark filings have exceeded 44,000, and every pitch deck seems to carry the familiar phrase: "Patent filed."

This surge may look like an innovation renaissance. But the shine wears off if one looks beyond the filing numbers. Fresh Lok Sabha data confirms what many insiders have whispered for years: a large share of Indian startup patents never reach examination stage and are not granted. Many others are quietly withdrawn or abandoned-dying far before they are born.

Between 2021 and 2025, startups filed 13,089 patent app...