Scheme for Facilitating Start-ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP)

Patenting is expensive and many startups do not have expertise in drafting claims. Government of India has designed this scheme wherein the startup can take service of patent expert called facilitator for drafting claims and patent application. Startup pays only statutory patent filing costs. For drafting patent , the government pays direct to the facilitator. List of facilitators can be seen here.

The Scheme for Facilitating Start-ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP)

The Scheme of SIPP aims to promote awareness and adoption of Intellectual Property Rights amongst Start-Ups. Scheme is inclined to nurture and mentor innovative and emerging technologies among Start-ups and assist them in protecting and commercializing Intellectual Property Rights by providing them access to high-quality IP services and resources. For the purpose of facilitating the Start-ups and giving them assistance while getting their Intellectual Property registered in India, the Controller General of Patents, Design and Trademarks (CGPDTM) also appoints a panel of Facilitators. 

The Facilitators would perform the below mentioned functions-

• Providing general and basic advice to the Start-ups with respect to different Intellectual Properties.
• Providing information regarding protecting and promoting IPRs in different countries.
• Providing assistance and guidance in filing the applications for registration of Intellectual Properties like Trademarks, Patents and Designs and disposal of the same at the Indian Offices under the CGPDTM.
• Drafting Specifications, Claims, response to Examination Reports/Queries etc.
• Attending hearing on behalf of Start-ups.
• Contesting third-party Oppositions.
• Ensuring disposal of the IPR applications.

The Facilitators are not allowed to charge anything from the Start-ups for the services provided by them. Further, the Facilitators will be provided with a fixed amount of fee by the Central Government and it will not be entitled to charge any amount apart from that to the Entrepreneur.

The facilitator would get Rs 15,000/- at the time of filing, another 15,000/- at the time of final disposal.

Source: mondaq