Uptrend in oppositions could spell costly delays for Indian patent applicants "Straw man" oppositions are attracting increased scrutiny from Indian patent applicants as well as the courts - best practices in drafting and prosecution can help mitigate the risks. The past two years have seen a surge in oppositions filed against patent applications in India. The increase comes as the patent office publishes more filings than ever and Indian courts continue to handle high-profile global disputes. The strategic value of patent oppositions make this an important trend for IP owners to follow. Facing a pre-grant opposition can significantly extend the time to grant, even if the objection fails. This is important because the already lengthy wait for a granted patent in India can greatly reduce the time a rightsholder has to enforce their exclusivity in the market.