Justice Prathiba M Singh has become the first Indian judge to be inducted into the Global IP Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone for India’s intellectual property landscape. She received the honour at IPBC Global 2026 in San Diego for her outstanding contribution to shaping and advancing intellectual property jurisprudence in India.
Justice Prathiba M Singh of the Delhi High Court has been inducted into the International IP Hall of Fame 2026, making history as the first Indian judge to receive this distinguished honour for he contributions to the evolution of intellectual property law and jurisprudence.
The recognition was formally conferred at the Intellectual Property Business Congress (IPBC) Global 2026 in San Diego on June 16.
Justice Singh was inducted alongside Italian intellectual property practitioner Roberto Dini and the late William Cornish, who was honoured posthumously.
Justice Singh was commended for her influential work in shaping and reinforcing India’s intellectual property jurisprudence. Her efforts have supported the development and refinement of India’s IP framework and contributed to the progress of national intellectual property policy.
She currently serves as the Chairperson of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Advisory Board of Judges, a role that underscores her prominence within the global intellectual property community.
Established in 2006 by Intellectual Asset Management (IAM), the International IP Hall of Fame recognises individuals who have delivered exceptional contributions to the advancement of intellectual property law, policy, and practice.
Inductees are chosen through an international nomination and peer-review process carried out by the IP Hall of Fame Academy, which includes leading judges, academics, and intellectual property practitioners from across the world.
During her acceptance address, Justice Singh described the recognition as a significant professional milestone and noted that several renowned intellectual property scholars whose works she studied throughout her legal career, including J Thomas McCarthy, Melville Nimmer and Paul Goldstein, were among previous inductees into the Hall of Fame.
“Several renowned intellectual property scholars whose works she studied throughout her legal career, including J Thomas McCarthy, Melville Nimmer and Paul Goldstein, were among previous inductees into the Hall of Fame.”
She also remarked on India’s rising role in the global intellectual property environment. Justice Singh pointed to the rapid growth of innovation and patent filings in the country, noting that more than 150,000 patent applications were filed in India during the year.
She further highlighted the establishment of specialised Intellectual Property Divisions and dedicated IP Benches in the Delhi High Court and other High Courts, which have strengthened the adjudication of intellectual property disputes.
Justice Singh further stated that India has increasingly become a key destination for resolving intricate IP disputes, especially in Standard Essential Patent (SEP) litigation, and said her induction reflects the nation’s growing leadership and influence in intellectual property law.
Justice Singh dedicated the recognition to her family, colleagues, the Delhi High Court, and the nation, crediting their support throughout her professional journey.
The 2026 induction ceremony also marked the 20th anniversary of the International IP Hall of Fame.
On the occasion, IAM Editor Rachel Mountain stated that,
“over the past two decades, the Hall of Fame has honoured individuals whose contributions have strengthened intellectual property systems worldwide, promoted innovation and inspired generations of legal practitioners, policymakers and business leaders.”
The IP Hall of Fame Academy further manages the selection of recipients of the Q Todd Dickinson Award, which recognises outstanding contributions toward advancing intellectual property as a valuable business and commercial asset.