Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme — Frequently Asked Questions

The scheme covers reimbursement of professional fees for empanelled facilitators who assist with patent, trademark, and design applications for DPIIT-recognised startups.

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).

The scheme is rolling and always open – there is no fixed deadline. You can apply at any time.

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.

Yes, DPIIT recognition is mandatory. MSME registration is not required.

No, the SIPP scheme provides a grant in the form of reimbursement of facilitator fees. It does not take any equity stake.

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.

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.

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.

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.