Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme
DPIIT scheme reimbursing professional fees for patent, trademark, and design facilitators.
- Funding amount
- Varies by program
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme, run by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), aims to promote IPR awareness and adoption among startups. It facilitates the protection and commercialisation of intellectual property by reimbursing the professional fees of empanelled facilitators, giving startups access to high-quality IP services. The scheme covers patents, trademarks, and designs, with set reimbursement amounts for filing and disposal stages.
Highlights
- Reimbursement of facilitator fees for patents, trademarks, and designs.
- Patent reimbursement up to ₹15,000 for disposal with opposition.
- Open to DPIIT-recognised startups less than 10 years old.
- Turnover must not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year.
- Rolling application – no fixed deadline; apply anytime.
- Startups engage facilitators directly; facilitators claim fees from CGPDTM.
Who can apply
To apply, your startup must be recognised by DPIIT with a valid Certificate of Recognition. The startup should not be older than ten years from its date of incorporation and must have an annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore in any financial year since inception. Eligible entity types include Private Limited Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), and Registered Partnership Firms. The startup must not have been formed by splitting or restructuring an existing entity, must be engaged in developing a product, process, or service, and must have a scalable business model with high potential for wealth and employment generation. Additionally, you need to provide a self-declaration confirming that no other government funds have been used for the same purpose.
Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
The scheme reimburses professional fees of empanelled facilitators on a per-IP basis. For patents, the reimbursement is ₹10,000 for filing, ₹10,000 for disposal without opposition, and ₹15,000 for disposal with opposition. For trademarks, it is ₹2,000 for filing, ₹2,000 for disposal without opposition, and ₹4,000 for disposal with opposition. For designs, the amounts are ₹2,000 for filing, ₹2,000 for disposal without opposition, and ₹4,000 for disposal with opposition. These reimbursements cover the facilitator's fees, while statutory government fees remain payable by the startup.
About the provider
Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme is offered by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a government body. As a government-backed grant, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What does the SIPP scheme cover?
The scheme covers reimbursement of professional fees for empanelled facilitators who assist with patent, trademark, and design applications for DPIIT-recognised startups.
How much funding is available under SIPP?
Reimbursement amounts vary by IP type and stage: for patents, ₹10,000 (filing), ₹10,000 (disposal without opposition), ₹15,000 (disposal with opposition); for trademarks and designs, ₹2,000 (filing), ₹2,000 (disposal without opposition), ₹4,000 (disposal with opposition).
What is the application deadline?
The scheme is rolling and always open – there is no fixed deadline. You can apply at any time.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any startup that is recognised by DPIIT, less than 10 years old, with annual turnover not exceeding ₹100 crore, and incorporated as a Private Limited Company, LLP, or Registered Partnership Firm. The startup must not be created by splitting an existing entity and must have a scalable business model.
Do I need DPIIT or MSME registration?
Yes, DPIIT recognition is mandatory. MSME registration is not required.
Does the scheme take equity?
No, the SIPP scheme provides a grant in the form of reimbursement of facilitator fees. It does not take any equity stake.
What documents are needed to apply?
You need to provide a self-declaration confirming that no other government funds have been used for the same IP purpose. Additionally, you must have your DPIIT recognition certificate and engage an empanelled facilitator whose fees will be reimbursed.
How do I apply?
Startups first engage an empanelled facilitator from the list provided by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM). The facilitator then files the IP application and later claims the reimbursement fees from CGPDTM on behalf of the startup.
Where can I find more information or apply?
Visit the official SIPP page on the IP India website at https://ipindia.gov.in/SIPP.htm for details and the list of empanelled facilitators.
Who offers Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme?
Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme is offered by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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Alternatives to Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme
Not sure Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme is the right fit, or already applied? These are other grants open to Indian startups that founders shortlist alongside it.
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