Justice Prathiba M. Singh of the Delhi High Court has become the first Indian judge to be inducted into the International IP Hall of Fame 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the development of intellectual property law and jurisprudence.

The organisers conferred the honour during the Intellectual Property Business Congress (IPBC) Global 2026 held in San Diego on June 16. The Hall of Fame inducted Justice Singh alongside Italian intellectual property practitioner Roberto Dini and the late William Cornish, who received the honour posthumously.

The Hall of Fame recognised Justice Singh for her pivotal role in strengthening India's intellectual property jurisprudence, shaping the country's evolving IP framework and contributing to the development of national intellectual property policy. She also serves as the Chairperson of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Advisory Board of Judges, reflecting her standing in the global intellectual property community.

Established in 2006 by Intellectual Asset Management (IAM), the International IP Hall of Fame honours individuals who have made exceptional contributions to intellectual property law, policy and practice. The IP Hall of Fame Academy, comprising leading judges, academics and intellectual property practitioners from across the world, selects the inductees through a global nomination and peer-review process.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Justice Singh described the induction as a defining moment in her professional journey. She recalled that several renowned intellectual property scholars whose works she had studied throughout her legal career—including J. Thomas McCarthy, Melville Nimmer and Paul Goldstein—had previously been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Justice Singh also highlighted India's growing stature in the global intellectual property ecosystem. She noted that India had witnessed remarkable growth in innovation and patent filings, with more than 1.5 lakh patent applications filed during the year.

She further pointed to the establishment of specialised Intellectual Property Divisions and dedicated IP Benches in the Delhi High Court and other High Courts, saying these reforms have significantly strengthened the country's framework for resolving intellectual property disputes.

According to Justice Singh, India has also emerged as an important jurisdiction for complex intellectual property litigation, particularly in disputes involving Standard Essential Patents (SEPs). She said her induction reflects India's increasing leadership and influence in the field of intellectual property law.

Justice Singh dedicated the recognition to her family, colleagues, the Delhi High Court and the nation for supporting her throughout her professional journey.

The 2026 ceremony also marked the 20th anniversary of the International IP Hall of Fame. On the occasion, IAM Editor Rachel Mountain said the Hall of Fame has, over the past two decades, honoured individuals whose contributions have strengthened intellectual property systems worldwide, encouraged innovation and inspired generations of lawyers, policymakers and business leaders.

The IP Hall of Fame Academy also oversees the selection of recipients of the Q Todd Dickinson Award, which recognises exceptional contributions to advancing intellectual property as a valuable commercial and business asset.