India's legal fraternity has earned a proud moment on the world stage. Justice Prathiba M. Singh of the Delhi High Court has become the first Indian judge to be inducted into the prestigious Intellectual Property (IP) Hall of Fame by IAM, a leading international publication dedicated to intellectual property law and policy.

The honour was conferred during a ceremony held in San Diego, United States, on June 16, 2026, recognising her exceptional contribution to intellectual property jurisprudence and her role in strengthening India’s IP ecosystem. The achievement marks a significant milestone not just for Justice Singh, but for India's growing stature in the world of innovation and intellectual property.

A Legal Luminary Who Shaped India's IP Framework

Long before joining the bench, Justice Singh had already established herself as one of the country’s foremost IP experts. She co-founded Singh & Singh, one of India's leading intellectual property law firms, and appeared in several landmark cases that helped define the country's patent landscape.

Among her notable contributions as a lawyer were appearances in the Supreme Court's landmark 2013 Novartis versus Union of India case and one of India's early standard essential patent disputes, Ericsson versus Micromax.

Appointed a permanent judge of the Delhi High Court in 2017, she later played a pivotal role in setting up the court's specialised Intellectual Property Division, serving as its presiding judge during 2021-22 and again in 2023-24.

Justice Singh also contributed to framing India's National Intellectual Property Rights Policy in 2015 and currently serves as Chairperson of the Advisory Board of Judges at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

India's IP Moment Has Arrived

Accepting the honour, Justice Singh said India is witnessing a defining phase in its intellectual property journey. She highlighted that more than 1.5 lakh patent applications have been filed in the country this year, underscoring the scale of innovation taking place across sectors.

She also noted that specialised IP divisions established in the Delhi High Court and several other high courts have made India a preferred destination for intellectual property disputes. 

According to her, the Hall of Fame induction is not merely a personal recognition, but an acknowledgment of India's growing leadership in the global IP arena.

A Win Beyond the Courtroom

Justice Prathiba M. Singh's induction into the IP Hall of Fame represents far more than an individual accolade. It is a proof of India's rise as an innovation powerhouse and a recognition of the judiciary's role in fostering a robust ecosystem for inventors, creators, and businesses.

As India accelerates towards becoming a global innovation hub, Justice Singh's achievement stands as a shining example of Indian judicial excellence earning worldwide acclaim.