AI SummaryIntellectual Property Right Scheme Under MSME Innovative Scheme helps Indian entrepreneurs protect their inventions, brands and creative work by covering part of the cost of filing patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs and geographical indications. Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises runs this scheme through a network of Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres (IPFCs) set up across the country, with reimbursement of up to ₹5 lakh for a foreign patent.
Intellectual Property Right Scheme is one component of the MSME Innovative Scheme, which itself is a part of the MSME Champions umbrella. The scheme combines the earlier standalone IPR, Design and Incubation schemes into one single framework so that a business can look after its ideas from the start to the point of commercialisation. Registration under the current guidelines continues to accept reimbursement applications from registered MSMEs as of August 2026.
Intellectual Property Right Scheme Under MSME Innovative Scheme
Intellectual Property Right Scheme Under MSME Innovative Scheme provides legal and intellectual property filing support for patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs and geographical indications (GI). It offers IP advisory, consultation, patentability searches, technology gap analysis and help with the commercialisation of intellectual property through Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres (IPFCs).
The IPFC network bridges the gap between innovators and legal filings. Each IPFC offers expert advice, drafts and files applications, and processes reimbursement claims for approved registrations. In this way, a small unit does not have to deal with the complex procedural part of protecting its ideas on its own.
Objective
This scheme aims to build a strong IP culture in the Indian MSME sector. Its main aims are:
- Raising awareness of Intellectual Property Rights among MSME owners so that creative and intellectual work gets due recognition in the Indian economy.
- Protecting new ideas, technological innovations and knowledge-driven business strategies so that they can be turned into commercial success.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Intellectual Property Right Scheme Under MSME Innovative Scheme |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Business & Entrepreneurship |
| Target Beneficiaries | Business Entity |
| Benefit Type | Cash (reimbursement) |
| IPFC Grant | Up to ₹1 crore |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises |
| Official Website | innovative.msme.gov.in and my.msme.gov.in |
Benefits
This scheme offers direct cash help to keep the cost of protecting ideas low. An IPFC can receive a grant of up to ₹1 crore in milestone-based instalments to run its operations, and the first instalment can go up to 40% of the approved project cost.
For registration of intellectual property, the eligible applicant gets reimbursement of the actual expenses incurred, subject to the maximum limits fixed by the government. The table below lists the highest amount that can be claimed for each type of registration:
| Item | Maximum Financial Assistance |
|---|---|
| Foreign Patent | ₹ 5,00,000 |
| Domestic Patent | ₹ 1,00,000 |
| Geographical Indication (GI) Registration | ₹ 2,00,000 |
| Design Registration | ₹ 15,000 |
| Trademark Registration | ₹ 10,000 |
The reimbursement covers government fees, attorney charges, consultancy charges, search fees, drafting charges and other incidental costs, provided original bills and receipts support the claim. This support is a one-time help from the Government of India for each registration, and the same expense must not have been claimed under any other Central or State scheme.
Eligibility
To claim reimbursement for a patent, trademark or design, the applicant unit must be a registered micro, small or medium enterprise with a valid Udyam Registration certificate. For a GI registration, any agency, institution, association, society, trust or non-profit body with valid incorporation and PAN details can apply.
Patents, trademarks and designs registered in the name of an individual are also eligible, provided the individual holds a Udyam Registration in their own name and has full ownership of the enterprise. For a partnership firm, the applicant has to show proof of at least 51% shareholding in the enterprise. Every applicant has to give a self-declaration that no Central or State government funding is being claimed for the same registration.
Application Process
The reimbursement process is done fully online. Follow these steps to file the claim:
STEP 1 - Go to the official reimbursement portal at Reimbursement Application Portal and select the correct application form for the type of registration, whether patent, trademark, design or GI.
STEP 2 - Enter all the required details of the enterprise and the registration in the online form.
STEP 3 - Upload the supporting documents, including the Udyam Registration certificate, the registration certificate of the patent, trademark, design or GI, the bank mandate form and the original bills or vouchers.
STEP 4 - Submit the application. It is examined by the concerned IPFC and then forwarded to the Ministry of MSME for approval. Once approved, the reimbursement amount is paid to the eligible enterprise.
Documents
Keep these documents ready so that the application goes through without delay:
- Valid Udyam Registration (UR) certificate of the enterprise.
- Copy of the patent, trademark, design or GI registration certificate.
- Copy of the bank mandate form of the enterprise.
- Original bills and vouchers for the expenses incurred on the registration.
References
More details, forms and the latest rules are available from these official sources:
FAQ's
What is Intellectual Property (IP)?
Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names and images used in commercial business.
What are the types of Intellectual Property Rights?
Common types include patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications. These help protect a unique business idea or brand.
What is a patent?
A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a new product or process that offers a technical solution to a problem. It stops others from copying the specific invention for a fixed period.
What are the benefits of patent registration?
Registering a patent gives exclusive rights to use the invention for 20 years, builds a stronger market position, lowers competition and opens up ways to license or sell the technology.
What is copyright?
Copyright is a legal protection covering creators of literary and artistic works, including books, computer programs, films, music, paintings and technical drawings.
What are the benefits of copyright registration?
Copyright protects the original work of an author or artist for their whole lifetime plus sixty years after death, so creative efforts stay under the control of the creator.
What is a trademark?
A trademark is a unique sign, logo or name that identifies specific goods or services and helps customers recognise a brand easily.
How do I apply for reimbursement of patent, GI, trademark or design?
Reimbursement applications are filed online through the official portal at Reimbursement Application Portal and are processed after scrutiny by the concerned IPFC.
Is there any support for counselling, drafting or filing IP?
Yes, the Ministry of MSME has set up Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres (IPFCs) to help with counselling, drafting, filing and other IP services.