Mahindra, Tata Motors secure record patent approvals

Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd (M&M) and Tata Motors Ltd secured a record number of patents last fiscal year, the Indian automakers said.

M&M received a record 674 patents in FY24, while Tata Motors received its highest-ever grant of 333 patents in the financial year.

M&M said in a statement that the number of patents it received during the year is the most by any Indian four-wheeler automobile/farm equipment maker. This is a 380% increase in the number of patents issued to M&M over FY23, it said.

M&M said prioritizing research and development (R&D) helped it build “futuristic” automotive brands with world-class features. 

“We firmly believe that by staying at the forefront of technology, we can deliver the loftiest expectations of our customers,” the company said in its statement. 

So far, the company has conferred 1,185 patents across multiple geographies, with 193 applications awaiting patent approval as on 31 March. Cumulatively, M&M said, it has filed 2,212 patent applications to date. 

The patent portfolio also includes filings of M&M’s subsidiary, Mahindra Electric Automobile Ltd. In addition to its patents, M&M also got 115 designs registered and 178 new applications filed. 

“We are constantly working to push the frontiers of what is possible in the automobile and farm equipment segments. Our relentless pursuit of cutting-edge technologies has enabled us to create the safest and most advanced products and positioned us as a true innovator in the industry. We understand the importance of being future-ready; therefore, we have made significant R&D investments to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology and talent,” Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director and chief executive officer (auto and farm sectors) at M&M, said. 

M&M’s patent portfolio covers a range of critical functions, such as powertrain (ICE & EV), vehicle mechanical systems, electronics, manufacturing processes, electric tractors, and advanced engineering, among others, the company said.

These patents have led to pioneering new technologies that have redefined the automotive and tractor segments, creating the safest and most cutting-edge customer experiences, M&M added. 

Tata Motors also set a record with 222 patents and 117 design applications filed during the year FY24, the highest in its history. The company received grants of 333 patents during the same period, taking its total tally of granted patents to over 850.

The filings span a wide spectrum of product and process innovations, addressing key automotive megatrends such as connectivity, electrification, sustainability, and safety (CESS). They also cover various vehicle systems such as powertrain, body and trim, suspension, brakes, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, and emission control, Tata Motors said. 

The company said that its strong commitment to engineering excellence, cleaner powertrains, design, connectivity, and intelligent safety features ensures that its innovations seamlessly align with real-world needs. 

“Tata Motors’ unwavering commitment to research and innovation has propelled us to new heights in innovation & value creation through intellectual property. With a record number of patents filed and granted, we continue to redefine automotive excellence,” Tata Motors president and chief technology officer Rajendra Petkar said. 

“Our cutting-edge technologies, greener vehicles, and customer-centric approach position us as trailblazers in the industry. As mobility evolves, Tata Motors remains at the forefront, shaping a smarter, more connected future for all,” Petkar added.