In an move to promote innovation among emerging companies, the Department of Information Technology has launched its programme entitled, “Support International Patent Protection in Electronics & IT (SIP-EIT)”.

Under the scheme, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and technology start-ups can apply for reimbursement, up to a limit of USD 40,000 for the costs incurred in filing international patent applications. This scheme applies for their indigenous inventions in the electronics and information, communication and technology (ICT) domain.

The grant will be disbursed to applicants on a reimbursement basis and will be limited to 50 per cent of the total expenses in actual cost incurred by the applicant on filing international patent.

Under the new scheme, patent processing costs including attorneys’ fees, patent office filing fees, examination fees, patent search cost, additional cost for entering national phase up to grant/issue, will be covered to an extent of USD 40,000 or 50 per cent of the total expenses incurred on filing each invention, whichever is less. Subsequently after the grant, the cost will be borne by the industry.

The scheme, which was introduced on 4 November, 2007 will be valid for a period of five years. Beyond the allotted time-frame, the scheme will be reviewed for extension, said the official.