Scheme for Facilitating Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP)
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
The notified SIPP period ended on 31 Mar 2026 and no extension or replacement had been notified when we checked in early Oct 2026, so the government no longer pays facilitator fees for new filings. Startups still get the statutory fee concessions (about 80% lower patent fees and 50% lower trademark fees than large entities). For biotech, BIRAC-PATH is an alternative; check IP India for a renewal.
What changed: Lapsed 31 Mar 2026 — renewal awaited
Sources (1)
The Scheme for Facilitating Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) helps startups protect their ideas by providing support and cost relief for filing patents, trademarks, and designs, encouraging innovation and safeguarding ownership.
Objectives
To protect and promote Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) of Startups and to encourage innovation and creativity among them, a Scheme for facilitating Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) has been launched. It facilitates startups in filing and processing of their patent, design or trademark application through the assistance of IP Facilitators, whose fee was borne by the Office of the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Government of India.
Who can apply?
- DPIIT recognised startups.
- Applicants must self-declare that they have not availed funds under any other government scheme for paying facilitator/patent agent/trademark agent fees for the same IP application.
What do you get?
- Support for filing and processing patent, trademark and design applications.
- Professional fees of facilitators are paid/reimbursed by the office of CGPDTM; startups generally bear only statutory government fees.
- End-to-end assistance including advisory, drafting, filing, responses to examination reports, hearings, opposition handling and final disposal of IP applications.
How to apply
The notified SIPP period ended on 31 Mar 2026 and no extension had been announced as of the last check — check IP India for a renewal. Meanwhile, startups still get statutory fee concessions, and biotech startups can use BIRAC-PATH (open 1–21 Oct 2026).