Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises - Subsidy for Patent Registration

Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Subsidy for Patent Registration (PRS) is a state scheme of the West Bengal government that gives cash reimbursement to micro, small, and medium enterprises for the money spent on patent registration. The scheme covers 50% of the cost incurred by eligible businesses in the manufacturing sector, up to a maximum of ₹ 5,00,000.

Scheme has been closed or it was a one time scheme which has been closed by the government.

Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises - Subsidy for Patent Registration - Introduction

Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Subsidy for Patent Registration (PRS) helped businesses protect their new ideas by giving back part of the money spent on patent registration. The Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles, Government of West Bengal, ran this scheme to encourage growth and intellectual property awareness among local entrepreneurs.

This sub-scheme was launched on 1st April 2020 and remained in force until 31st March 2025. Its aim was to build a long-term ecosystem that supports new ideas, makes the best use of resources, and helps West Bengal grow as a strong MSME state.

Through this incentive, a micro or small enterprise could claim a partial refund of the money spent while getting a formal patent, making the journey toward intellectual property protection more affordable.

Key Information

Benefits

An enterprise that received patent registration could expect support under this scheme. It could claim a reimbursement of 50% of the total money spent during the patent process.

Important: The total subsidy amount for patent registration could not exceed ₹ 5,00,000.

Eligibility

To qualify for this subsidy, a business had to meet the following criteria:

1. The business had to be classified as a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise.
2. It had to operate within the manufacturing sector.
3. The business had to have commenced production on or after 1st April 2019.
4. It had to operate as a private, cooperative, or joint sector unit, or an entity managed by the State Government or Industrial SHGs.
5. The date of commencement of commercial production (DOCCP) had to fall between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2025.

Exclusions

The following categories were not eligible for this subsidy:

• Enterprises that had already obtained eligibility certificates or received sanctions or payments under earlier state incentive schemes.
• Enterprises that started production before 1st April 2019 and already applied for incentives under other schemes.
• Specific industrial units, such as Sponge Iron Factories and certain traditional brick manufacturing units (excluding Fly Ash, Sand lime, and Refractory bricks).
• Any other industry specifically notified as excluded by the State Government.

Also, costs related to second-hand machinery, routine maintenance tools, installation charges for plant and machinery, and standard office equipment like firefighting gear or basic storage tanks were left out of investment calculations.

Application Process

The application was submitted online through the official Shilpasathi Portal. The steps for completing the submission are given below:

STEP 1 - Visit the official MSME Department, West Bengal page and open the online Banglashree registration section.

STEP 2 - Register or log in using the business credentials on the portal.

STEP 3 - Go to the user dashboard and select 'MSME Incentive' under 'ALL SERVICES'.

STEP 4 - Create the Common Application Form (CAF) ID.

STEP 5 - Fill out the eligibility form and the CAF with accurate business details.

STEP 6 - Move to the 'APPLY SUBSIDY' section and select the specific patent registration items.

STEP 7 - Upload all required documents, review the details, and submit the application.

The first application had to be submitted within 12 months from the date of commercial production or from the notification date, whichever came later.

For support, the Silpa Sathi Helpline could be reached at 1800-345-5562 or by email at qrt.silpasathiwb@gmail.com for technical help.

Documents

While preparing the application, the following documents had to be kept ready:

• Authenticated copy of the Memorandum of Association or Partnership Deed.
• Statement giving the names and addresses of Directors, Partners, or Owners.
• Approved project report and proof of loan sanctions or payments.
• Audited balance sheets from the last 2 years.
• Bills and money receipts for plant and machinery.
• Copy of a valid trade license and consent to operate from the WBPCB.
• Registration acknowledgments like Udyog Aadhaar.
• Proof of patent registration fees and the final Patent Registration Certificate.

Definitions

The scheme areas were grouped into zones (Zone A through Zone E) based on geographical development. These zones helped decide the level of incentives a unit could receive based on its location in West Bengal.

Source: Official Banglashree Guidelines

References

Banglashree Online Registration Page

Banglashree Scheme Guidelines (Kolkata Gazette)

Banglashree Timeline Order

MSME & T Department, West Bengal

FAQ's

What areas were classified under Zone A for the purpose of determining incentives?

Zone A included the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Area, all municipal areas of North 24-Parganas, all municipal areas of South 24-Parganas, and all municipal corporation and municipal areas of Howrah.

Which districts fell under Zone B for incentive classification?

Zone B comprised districts such as Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Siliguri Municipal Corporation, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, and Nadia (excluding specific municipal areas).

What were the eligibility criteria for incentives under Banglashree for MSMEs?

Micro, small, or medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector that began commercial production between 1st April 2019 and 31st March 2025 were eligible. Existing enterprises could also apply for expansion-related incentives.

Which enterprises were not eligible for the scheme?

Units that started production before 1st April 2019, those that already claimed incentives under other state schemes, or those that did not submit applications within the required timelines were generally ineligible.

How could the subsidy be claimed?

The online application process on the Shilpasathi portal had to be followed, making sure all required documents like the Patent Registration Certificate and payment receipts were uploaded correctly.

Could incentives be claimed under both Banglashree and other state schemes?

No, one scheme had to be chosen as double benefits for the same project could not be claimed at the same time.

Was there an appeals process if the application was rejected?

Yes, the applicant had the right to appeal if the application was rejected. The district industries office could be contacted to understand the specific complaint help process.

Were there measures to prevent misuse of the subsidy?

Yes, the department carried out document verification and could perform site inspections to make sure subsidies were given only to genuine, eligible businesses.