In the latest international Intellectual Property (IP) index released by the US Chambers of Commerce by US Chambers of Commerce today, India ranks 44th out of 50 countries.

India's score has substantially increased from 8.75 out of 30 in the fifth edition to 12.03 out of 40 in the sixth edition. This means that it has increased from its previous 25% to 30% according to the annual report prepared by Global Innovation Policy Center (GIPC) of the US Chambers of Commerce.

Despite the improvement, India's ranking remains in the bottom. It was ranked 43 out of 50 last year.

The report said that India reflects a relatively strong performance in the new indicators as well as positive reform efforts on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions (CIIs) and registration procedures for well-known marks.

Among key areas of weaknesses are limited framework for the protection of life sciences IP; patentability requirements outside international standards; lengthy pre-grant opposition proceedings; previously used compulsory licensing for commercial and nonemergency situations; limited participation in international IP treaties and no participation in international PPH (Patent Prosecution Highway) tracks.

"For the first time, India has broken free of the bottom ten percent of economies measured, and its score represents the largest percentage improvement of any country measured. This is further evidence of a country on the move," said Patrick Kilbride, vice president of GIPC.

USA topped the list with 37.98 points, followed by United Kingdom (UK) and Sweden with 37.97 and 37.03 respectively.