July 29, 2025 by Sarika Kumari
Intellectual Property (IP) is often the most valuable asset for startups in India’s innovation-driven economy. From patented technologies to protected brand identities, startups rely on IP to:
Attract investments
Gain early market traction
Prevent idea theft
Build scalable licensing models
Yet, the cost of filing and protecting IP—especially patents, trademarks, and designs—can be significant for a bootstrapped startup.
To address this, the Government of India introduced the SIPP (Startups Intellectual Property Protection) Scheme, providing financial, procedural, and professional support to DPIIT-recognized startups.
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Launched By | Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce |
| Policy Basis | Part of the Startup India Action Plan (2016) |
| Current Validity | Extended up to 31 March 2026 (as per latest circulars) |
| Governing Documents | IP India Guidelines for Facilitators & SIPP portal |
Encourage startups to file more IPs (patents, trademarks, designs)
Provide access to certified IP facilitators
Cover full cost of professional services
Speed up the IP filing process
Create IP awareness and ecosystem support
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Entity Type | Must be a DPIIT-recognized startup (valid Startup India certificate) |
| Ownership | Indian citizen or Indian-registered entity |
| Sector | Any innovation-led product/service (tech, agri, healthcare, SaaS, etc.) |
| Not Eligible | MSMEs (separate schemes), expired startups, or foreign-incorporated entities |
| IP Right | Services Covered |
|---|---|
| Patents | Drafting, filing, responding to FERs, hearing, grant |
| Trademarks | Search, filing, examination reply, hearing, registration |
| Designs | Filing, examination, opposition, registration |
The SIPP scheme has empaneled advocates, patent agents, trademark agents, and design experts as facilitators.
| Facilitator's Role | Description |
|---|---|
| Advisory | Help determine IP type, scope, and timing |
| Drafting | High-quality patent specifications or TM/design applications |
| Filing | Prepare, file, and track application with IP India |
| Representation | Respond to FERs, appear in hearings |
| Compliance | Ensure timelines and documentation for IP grant |
| Process | Govt Pays Facilitator (Startups Pay ₹0) |
|---|---|
| Patent Filing (Drafting + Filing) | ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Trademark Filing | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 |
| Design Application | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
| Reply to FER/Examination | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Hearing Appearance | ₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Patent Grant Support | ₹10,000 |
Get DPIIT Recognition via Startup India portal
Select a SIPP-registered facilitator (list on IP India or Startup India portal)
Execute Form 26 (Authorization of Agent)
Prepare IP documents (draft with facilitator)
Facilitator files the IP and claims the fee from the government
Track the filing on IP India portal and receive periodic updates
| Strategic Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Cost Reduction | Avoid hefty legal/agent fees for IP filings |
| Faster Market Entry | Secure IP early during product launch or investor rounds |
| Focus on Core Tech | Delegate compliance to trusted experts |
| Stronger Branding | TM support enhances brand identity and investor pitch |
| Due Diligence Ready | IP in place supports VC/funding discussions |
The SIPP scheme is a game-changing support structure for Indian startups. It breaks the cost barrier for quality IP services—empowering innovation at the grassroots level.
A strong IP portfolio:
Secures your innovation
Attracts investors
Enables licensing
Builds brand exclusivity
Use SIPP not just as a subsidy—but as an IP strategy to scale your startup.
Choose the right facilitator. File early. Think global. And protect what makes your startup valuable.
Q1. Can I avail SIPP if I already filed IP before DPIIT registration?
No. SIPP applies prospectively for filings after DPIIT recognition.
Q2. Can I choose any facilitator?
Only those listed as SIPP facilitators by IP India are eligible under the scheme.
Q3. What if the facilitator delays the process?
You can switch facilitators with a new Form 26. Monitor your deadlines.
Q4. Is foreign patent filing covered?
No. SIPP is limited to Indian filings. Use MSME or Champions Scheme for international support.
Q5. Does the scheme cover IP renewal or litigation?
No. It supports filing to registration only—not enforcement or renewals.