Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Reimbursement Scheme

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Reimbursement Scheme is a state-level scheme under the Goa Start-up Policy 2025 run by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communication (DITE&C), Government of Goa. It helps certified startups in Goa recover the money they spend on registering national and international intellectual property, encouraging innovation and protecting what startups create.

The scheme is handled by the Start-up Information Technology Promotion Cell (SITPC). Under the updated policy, a startup can now get full reimbursement of eligible IP registration fees, up to ₹2 lakh for national IP and ₹5 lakh for international IP. Applications are accepted online through the Goa Startup Mission portal.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Reimbursement Scheme - Overview

This scheme works as a key support for startups under the Goa Start-up Policy 2025. The government wants to make Goa a preferred place for startups, innovation and entrepreneurship. By covering the cost of IP registration, the scheme removes a big money problem that often stops small companies from protecting their ideas.

Before the update, the scheme covered only 50% of the cost under the old Start-up Policy 2017. Now, with the new policy, eligible startups can claim back the full cost of registration fees, subject to the set limits. The benefit is a one-time payment for each IP application, and it is not an entitlement but is decided by the SITPC.

Benefits

Under the Goa Start-up Policy 2025, a startup that successfully registers national or international IP can get back the full cost of eligible fees, including government and associated costs. The payment is subject to the following caps, and it is made only if the IP is registered successfully.

Key points about the benefit are given below.

• A maximum of 200 startups can get this benefit every year, so early application is better.
• Once the application is approved, the amount is paid within 60 days from the date of approval.
• The reimbursement is a one-time payment for each IP application, and the same IP cannot be claimed again.
• The benefit is not an entitlement, and the SITPC keeps the sole right to accept or reject any application based on budget and its review.

Eligibility

To apply for this scheme, a startup must meet the conditions set under the Goa Start-up Policy 2025. These are the main points to check before applying.

• The applicant must be a startup certified by the SITPC with a valid startup certificate number.
• The IP must be for a technology-based product or service, or it must use technology to improve an existing product or service.
• The mandatory government fees and attorney fees for the IP must already be paid.
• The bank accounts of the company directors must be linked to Aadhaar.
• Only expenditure paid digitally within the validity of the policy is considered. If digital payment was not possible, the SITPC decides on it after checking the claim.
• If the same IP has already got support or a grant from any Central or State scheme, the application will be rejected.

Application Process

Applications for the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Reimbursement Scheme are accepted online through the Goa Startup Mission portal. Follow the steps below to apply.

STEP 1 - Go to the official website of the Goa Startup Mission at startup.goa.gov.in and register yourself as a startup.

STEP 2 - Log in with the credentials you create during registration.

STEP 3 - Select the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Reimbursement Scheme from the list of available schemes.

STEP 4 - Fill in the application form with the required details.

STEP 5 - Attach the mandatory documents, such as the copy of successful IP registration and proof of payment.

STEP 6 - Submit the application and note down the acknowledgement number to track the status of your claim.

You can apply at any time during the financial year, but only within 6 months of obtaining the startup certificate. The SITPC checks and verifies the application, and approval or rejection is notified within 45 days of receiving the application.

Documents

When preparing the application, keep the following documents ready so the claim is processed without delay.

• Copy of the successful IP registration.
• Original proof of payment with a detailed statement of the expenses incurred towards the IP.
• Registration copy along with invoices and receipts from the competent authority and legal counsel, as applicable.
• Detailed report submitted by the startup.
• Address proof of the operational office in Goa.
• Cancelled cheque of the startup, incubator or accelerator.

References

Official Scheme Details - MSME Goa

Download IPR Scheme Guidelines (PDF)

Goa Startup Mission Official Website

Download Application Proforma

FAQ's

How much reimbursement can I get for national and international IP?

You can get up to ₹2,00,000 for national IP and up to ₹5,00,000 for international IP. Under the new policy, the full cost of eligible fees is covered subject to these limits.

How long does it take to get the money after approval?

Once the SITPC approves the application, the approved amount is paid within 60 days from the date of approval.

Can I claim reimbursement for the same IP more than once?

No. The reimbursement is a one-time payment for each IP application, and you cannot claim the same IP again under this scheme.

What happens if I have already got support for the same IP from another scheme?

If you have received or applied for support for the same IP under any Central or State scheme, your application under this scheme will be rejected.

Are digital payments required for the expenses?

Yes, only expenditure paid digitally within the validity of the policy is considered. If digital payment was not possible, the SITPC decides on it after checking the claim.