Startups Intellectual Property Protection Scheme 2025 is a key initiative by the Government of India to help startups protect their intellectual property (IP) and support innovation. Managed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), this scheme gives startups legal and financial assistance to secure patents, trademarks, and designs. Through a network of expert facilitators, startups get help in applying for and managing their IP rights efficiently.
What is the Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme?
The SIPP Scheme was introduced in 2016 to make it easier for startups to apply for patents, trademarks, and design registrations with help from government-approved facilitators. Initially ending in 2017, it has been extended several times and now runs till 31 March 2025. The scheme supports startups by covering most of the cost for IP application fees and facilitator charges, encouraging entrepreneurs to protect their innovations.
Highlights of SIPP Scheme
| Name | Startups Intellectual Property Protection Scheme |
| Launched by | Government of India |
| Department | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry |
| Purpose | To encourage innovation and help entrepreneurs protect their intellectual property |
| Official Website | https://dpiit.gov.in/ |
Goal of the SIPP Scheme
This scheme motivates startups to understand the value of intellectual property rights (IPR). It helps new businesses protect and use their invention and ideas commercially by giving them access to quality IP support services. The program encourages entrepreneurship and innovation by making it easier and affordable to file IPR applications.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
- The startup must be registered as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm under Indian law.
- Annual turnover should not exceed ₹100 crores in any previous financial year.
- Startup age should be less than 10 years from the date of incorporation.
- It should have a new business model or innovative product that can generate wealth or employment on a large scale.
About Facilitators under SIPP
Facilitators approved by CGPDTM support startups throughout the IP application process. These may include:
- Registered patent agents
- Trademark agents recognised by CGPDTM
- Government agencies and institutions like TIFAC, NRDC, BIRAC, MeitY, CSIR
- Lawyers allowed by the Bar Council to practice and manage trademark applications
Facilitator Duties
- Giving startups free advice on IP rights
- Helping file and manage patent, trademark, and design applications
- Educating startups on IP protection and promotion
- Drafting patent or design specifications
- Responding to office objections or notices
- Representing startups in hearings and oppositions
- Ensuring that the IP applications are processed successfully
Duration of the SIPP Scheme
The scheme has supported startups since 2016 and is running till 31 March 2025. There is a possibility that the government may extend it further depending on its success in promoting innovation in India.
How the SIPP Scheme Works
By February 2025, over 44,000 startups had benefited from the scheme. The government appoints facilitators like patent and trademark agents to help entrepreneurs submit and pursue IP applications. The scheme also offers faster examination and reduced fees for startups.
Costs and Fees Covered
The government pays up to 80% of the fees for filing and pursuing patents, trademarks, and designs. Startups pay only 20% of the total cost, which includes fees due to facilitators based on the complexity and type of IP application.
Fee Structure for Applications
| Payment Stage | Patent (₹) | Trademark (₹) | Design (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| During application filing | 10,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| During examination | 10,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| Final disposal of application | 15,000 | 4,000 | 4,000 |
How to Apply Under SIPP Scheme
Startups wanting to protect their IP should follow these steps:
- Identify the IP type to protect – patent, trademark, or design
- Conduct a prior art or trademark search to ensure the idea or mark is new and unique
- Prepare a detailed application specification including claims, drawings, and description
- File the application online or offline with help from an approved facilitator
- Work with the facilitator to respond to any objections or queries during examination
- Ensure the application is approved and finally registered
Filing Patent Application
- Identify a new, useful invention for industrial use
- Search existing patents to confirm novelty
- Prepare detailed patent specification with claims and drawings
- Submit patent application with facilitator’s help
- Manage examination and objections till patent grant
Filing Design Application
- Select an original design not made public before
- Prepare specification with designs and description
- File application online or offline
- Coordinate with facilitator during examination till approval
Filing Trademark Application
- Choose a distinctive trademark that is not already registered
- Conduct a trademark search
- Prepare detailed trademark application including class and description
- File application with facilitator
- Respond to objections and ensure registration
Use this scheme to securely build your startup’s intellectual property portfolio with government support and expert help. Protecting your ideas today will bring you greater business opportunities tomorrow.