5th Anniversary of the India IP SME Helpdesk

Since December 2020, the world has undergone profound transformations, accelerated digitalisation, new business models, and an increasing demand for clear, reliable intellectual property guidance. It was precisely during one of the most uncertain moments in recent history that the India IP SME Helpdesk was established.

Five years ago, while lockdowns reshaped daily life and the world stood still, something new was quietly taking form. Not born from ideal circumstances nor guided by a predictable roadmap, the Helpdesk emerged with a simple yet powerful purpose: to support European SMEs as they navigated one of the world’s most dynamic and promising markets.

The decision to focus on India was both strategic and necessary. The country had been reshaping its IP ecosystem following the National IPR Policy of 2016. Combined with strong economic growth, a vast consumer base, and opportunities in high-growth sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and infrastructure, India rapidly became an attractive destination for European businesses.

Yet the opportunity also presented complexity. SMEs frequently encountered IP infringements, challenges understanding India’s patent system, and uncertainty around enforcement mechanisms. Many lacked the accessible, trustworthy information needed to approach the market with confidence.

This is why the Helpdesk was born: to bridge this gap by offering European SMEs practical, first-line support, whether they were exploring India for the first time or already taking their initial steps toward expansion. 

What began amid global disruption has grown into a trusted point of reference for businesses seeking clarity, protection, and opportunity in India’s fast-evolving IP landscape. And today, five years later, we are proud to celebrate this milestone and look forward to all that lies ahead.

A Beginning Marked by Challenge

Launching the India IP SME Helpdesk in December 2020 meant stepping directly into one of the most challenging moments of recent history. India was among the countries most severely hit by COVID-19, and the timing of the pandemic created an unusual imbalance: while Europe began to reopen and resume onsite activities, India was struck again by the Delta variant. Setting up a new helpdesk under these circumstances was far from being an easy task.

Onsite events became impossible, and matchmaking, an activity that thrives on personal connection, required extraordinary persistence. 

Yet each obstacle became an opportunity to rethink how we worked.
We shifted fully online, built new tools, and developed a dedicated platform that not only supported our webinars but also allowed us to collect meaningful data and track follow-up engagement. Week by week, the Helpdesk grew stronger by adapting to whatever came next.

5 years in short

Change has been a constant, and the Helpdesk has always been able to adapt successfully during the past 5 years. 

From the beginning, our goal was clear: to help EU and SMP SMEs protect and enforce their IP rights in India, giving them the confidence to enter the market and make the most of what India has to offer.

Over these five years, we have walked alongside companies from ICT, Aeronautics, Food & Drink, Mechanical Engineering, Biotechnology, and many more sectors.

During this period, we have significantly expanded our outreach through awareness-raising activities, specialised training sessions, and participation in both virtual and onsite matchmaking events, connecting with a broad community of companies and business support organisations across the EU and SMP countries.

Our helpline has become the cornerstone of our services, offering SMEs confidential, first-line guidance on IP protection and enforcement in India. Delivered by a team of experienced IP experts, the service provides clear, tailored responses within a short timeframe and is available not only in English but also, in several other European languages. Through this personalised support, we have helped hundreds of SMEs clarify their IP strategies, understand risks, and take their first confident steps into the Indian market

What the Numbers Tell Us

Numbers never tell the whole story, but they do reveal the journey we’ve shared.

• The India IP SME HD provides yearly assistance to more than 1,000 users through the varied services we offer: the helpline, matchmaking, training, and awareness-raising events.
• The questions we receive are answered within three working days, in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese (subject to the availability of experts). And all of it for free!
• The Helpdesk offers more than 30 training events (online and onsite) annually in Europe and India. 

Behind each number is an SME that needed support, and received it.

Thank You, for Walking This Path with Us

As we celebrate our fifth anniversary, we want to pause and acknowledge the people who made this possible.
Thank you for your confidence, your collaboration, your curiosity, and your continuous engagement.
Thank you for allowing us to grow with you.
Thank you for making these five years meaningful.

We look ahead with excitement, ready for new challenges, new markets, and new stories to write together.

Here’s to the next chapter.

Contact Us

The India IP SME Helpdesk is a valuable resource for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking guidance on intellectual property rights in or relating to India. Our team provides expertise across a wide range of IP issues, offering practical, first-line advice to help businesses protect and enforce their innovations in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

If you are new here, we warmly encourage you to contact us.
Whether you are exploring India for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding of its IP landscape, the India IP SME Helpdesk is here to support you every step of the way.