Securing Global IP: How Indian Startups Can Benefit from the SIPP Scheme

Support for International Patent Protection (SIPP)

Launched in 2016 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Support for International Patent Protection (SIPP) scheme is a key initiative under the Startup India Action Plan. It aims to help Indian startups safeguard their intellectual property in global markets by providing financial and legal assistance for filing international patents, trademarks, and designs.

By covering costs such as drafting, translation, and prosecution through a network of registered IP facilitators, SIPP enables early-stage startups to navigate complex international IP systems that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive. This support is crucial in helping startups protect core innovations, unlock global opportunities, and strengthen their valuation.

As of 2024, over 2,000 startups across diverse sectors—ranging from biotechnology and AI to electronics and clean energy—have benefitted from the scheme. SIPP has also contributed to greater IP awareness and capacity-building, particularly among startups in Tier II and Tier III cities.

By lowering the barriers to international IP protection, SIPP empowers Indian startups to compete globally, reinforces the country’s innovation ecosystem, and enhances India’s presence in the global intellectual property landscape.

Funding Segregation under SIPP

To ease the high costs associated with securing international intellectual property rights, the Support for International Patent Protection (SIPP) scheme offers structured financial assistance to startups. The funding is designed to cover major expenses involved in filing and maintaining patents or trademarks abroad and is provided through a service-based model rather than direct grants.

1. Cost Coverage (Up to 80% of Expenses)

   
   

   Startups can receive support for up to 80% of the total costs incurred during international IP filings. Covered expenses include:

   • Drafting of patent/trademark/design applications

   • Translation into foreign languages

   • Filing fees in international jurisdictions

   • Examination and prosecution costs

   • Professional fees charged by registered IP facilitators
     

2. Funding Cap per Application

   
   

   The average financial support per international application typically ranges between ₹5–15 lakh, depending on the destination country, complexity of the application, and the scope of services required.
   

3. Mode of Disbursal

   
   

   • Funds are not disbursed directly to startups.

   • Payments are made either as reimbursements or directly to registered IP facilitators after completion of specific filing milestones.

   • This ensures accountability and high service quality throughout the IP process.

Eligibility Criteria under SIPP (Tabular Format)

S. No.	Eligibility Parameter	Requirement
1	Nationality	The applicant must be an Indian entity
2	Entity Type	Must be a startup as defined and recognized by DPIIT
3	DPIIT Recognition	Must have a valid Startup India DPIIT recognition certificate at the time of application
4	Type of IP Covered	Applicable only for international filing of patents, trademarks, or designs
5	Filing Stage	Support is provided for new filings only (not for already filed or granted applications)
6	Prior Financial Support	The same IP must not have received financial support from any other central government scheme
7	Route of Filing	Application must be made through a registered IP facilitator empaneled with CGPDTM
8	IP Relevance to Business	The IP must be integral to the startup's core product, process, or business model
9	International Filing Jurisdiction	Filing must be made in eligible foreign jurisdictions under PCT or direct national routes
10	Compliance with Guidelines	Startup must comply with all terms and conditions issued under the SIPP guidelines

Application Process under SIPP

The application process under SIPP is designed to be startup-friendly but must be followed carefully to ensure eligibility and funding compliance. Below is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Obtain DPIIT Recognition

• Ensure your startup is recognized by DPIIT under the Startup India initiative.

• Apply via the Startup India portal and download the Certificate of Recognition.
  

Step 2: Identify an IP Facilitator

• Choose a registered IP facilitator from the official list provided by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM).

• Facilitators are assigned based on category (patents, trademarks, designs) and are authorized to guide you through the entire process.
  

Step 3: Prepare the IP Application

• Work with your facilitator to draft the international application, including all necessary technical descriptions, claims, drawings, and supporting documents.

• Decide the filing route (e.g., Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or direct national filings).
  

Step 4: File the International Application

• Your facilitator files the IP application in the target foreign jurisdiction(s).

• The filing includes translation, country-specific documentation, and required fees.
  

Step 5: Submit Documentation for SIPP Support

• After filing, submit the following documents for financial support:

  • DPIIT recognition certificate

  • Proof of international filing (filing receipt, application number)

  • Facilitator’s invoice for services

  • Declaration stating no duplicate funding for the same IP
    

Step 6: Reimbursement or Direct Payment

• Based on the application review, DPIIT processes the payment:

  • Either reimbursed to the startup, if they paid the facilitator up front

  • Or paid directly to the facilitator, if they filed on the startup’s behalf under the SIPP agreement
    

Step 7: Follow-up and Reporting

• The startup or facilitator may be asked to:

  • Submit updates on the application status (e.g., international examination report, grant, etc.)

  • Provide additional documentation for audit or verification purposes

SIPP Application – Document Checklist

Here’s a step-by-step checklist of all the documents a startup should have when applying for support under the Support for International Patent Protection (SIPP) scheme:

A. Startup Identification & Eligibility

Document	Purpose	Format
DPIIT Recognition Certificate	Confirms official startup status	PDF (from Startup India portal)
PAN Card of Startup Entity	For identity and tax verification	PDF/Image
GST Registration Certificate (if applicable)	Additional verification of business entity	PDF
Company Incorporation/LLP Registration Certificate	Proof of legal existence	PDF

B. IP Filing Documentation

Document	Purpose	Format
Copy of Filed International IP Application	Confirms application has been filed	PDF/Official receipt
Filing Receipt / Acknowledgment	Proof of filing in target country/PCT	PDF/Image
WIPO/PCT Filing Reference (if applicable)	Required for tracking and verification	PDF or ID number
Translation Receipts (if applicable)	For filings in non-English jurisdictions	Invoice copies
Foreign Filing Fees Receipt	Proof of payment of jurisdiction-specific fees	PDF/Image

C. Facilitator Documentation

Document	Purpose	Format
Engagement Letter / Agreement with IP Facilitator	Confirms facilitator is authorized and empaneled	PDF or scanned copy
Facilitator Invoice	Invoice for drafting, translation, filing, prosecution, etc.	PDF
Facilitator Bank Details (if direct payment route)	For direct fund transfer to facilitator	PDF or letterhead

D. Declarations & Self-Certifications

Document	Purpose	Format
Self-Declaration: No Previous Govt IP Support	Confirms the application is not duplicated	Signed PDF
Undertaking to Comply with SIPP Guidelines	Legal and policy compliance	Signed PDF
Declaration of IP Relevance to Business	Confirms IP is core to the startup’s business	Brief + signed PDF

E. Optional but Recommended

Document	Purpose	Format
Pitch Deck / Brief Description of Innovation	Helps reviewers understand the context of the IP	PDF or PPT
Patent Search Report (if available)	Supports novelty and uniqueness of the invention	PDF
National Patent Application Copy (if applicable)	If this international filing is a follow-up to an Indian app	PDF

Tips to Boost Your Chances Under SIPP

1. Choose the Right Filing Jurisdictions

   • Target countries with actual market potential or licensing value — not just big-name regions.
     

2. Align IP with Business Growth Strategy

   • Clearly show how the international IP will enable expansion, partnerships, or investment.
     

3. Use Experienced Facilitators with a Track Record

   • Prefer facilitators who’ve successfully handled SIPP or international filings before.
     

4. Bundle Related IP Filings

   • If applicable, coordinate multiple filings (e.g., patent + trademark) under one facilitator to save cost and improve case strength.
     

5. Include a Brief Innovation Note

   • Attach a short, non-confidential brief that explains the technical edge and commercial use of your IP — helps reviewers connect the dots.
     

6. Request Milestone-Based Invoicing from Facilitator

   • Structured invoices improve your documentation clarity and reimbursement timing.
     

7. Check for PCT Deadlines Proactively

   • If filing through PCT route, don’t miss the 12-month priority window after domestic filing — critical for eligibility.