The Government provides support for International Patent Protection for MSMEs

In a bid to boost innovations from budding entrepreneurs the Department of Electronics & Information Technology (hereinafter referred to as ‘DeitY’) has rolled out SIP-EIT, a Scheme to Support International Patent Protection in Electronics and IT for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (hereinafter referred to as ‘MSMEs’) and Technology Start up Units. SIP-EIT will provide financial support for international patent filing to encourage innovation, recognize the value and capabilities of global IP and leverage the growth opportunities in The Information Communication Technology & Electronics sector (hereinafter referred to as the ‘ICTE sector’).

Reimbursement will be limited to a total of INR 15 Lakhs (US $ 23350 approx.) per invention or 50% of the total expenses incurred in filing and processing of patent application upto grant whichever is lesser.

Procedure to Apply Online 

The procedure to apply online under the scheme is as follows -

1. Step 1. First of all, one needs to go through the brochure thoroughly, and make sure that they fall under the eligibility criteria.
2. Step 2. In order to apply, one needs to create a Login ID, which would be used in further communications.
3. Step 3. After the user account is created, one can Login and apply online for the Scheme. Before one applies online, kindly make sure to have read the Guidelines thoroughly and also checked the List of documents to be uploaded during filling up of the online application form.

Checklist of Document Required During Online Application 

• In case the applicant is an MSME unit under MSME Development Act 2006, then the applicant needs to upload the scanned copy of Registration Certificate in *.pdf format.
• In case the applicant is a Company under the Companies Act, 2013, then the applicant needs to upload the scanned copy of Registration Certificate in *.pdf format.
• In case the applicant is a Registered Software Technology Park of India unit, then the applicant needs to upload the scanned copy of such Registration.
• In case the applicant is a Technology Incubation Enterprise/Startup and registered as a company, then the applicant needs to upload a scanned copy of the Registration Certificate issued by a competent authority in *.pdf format and a certification from the incubation centre/park in *.pdf format.
• The applicant needs to upload a scanned copy of the last audited Balance Sheet in *.pdf format
• If the applicant is an employee or a Member of Board of Directors of a Company, then he/she has to be substantiate that by Documentary proof and upload it in *.pdf format.
• The applicant needs to upload a copy of the product brochure, if any.
• The applicant needs to upload a copy of the latest Annual Report, if any.
• The applicant needs to upload a copy of the Official Filing Receipt (hereinafter referred to as the ‘OFR’) with the Indian Patent Office, or copy of waiver under Section 39 of the Indian Patents Act, 1970, in case of the applicant has filed patent applications in countries outside India.
• If the applicant has applied for PCT/ Paris Convention or Direct International Filing, then the applicant needs to upload the copy of proof of the same in *.pdf format.
• The applicant needs to attach the copy of the technical write-up of the invention, duly fill it up as per the format of technical write-up and upload the same in *.pdf format
• The applicant needs to upload the patent search report in *.pdf format.
•  The applicant needs to attach a duly filled scanned copy of the details for transfer of e-payments, as per the format and upload the same in *.pdf format.
• The applicant needs to attach a scanned copy of the Declaration form duly signed and sealed as per the format and upload the same in *.pdf format.
• The applicant needs to upload a statement by the auditor of the enterprise that they fulfill the criteria of investment in plant and machinery or investment in capital equipment (as the case may be) as stipulated in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Act, 2006.