Page 14 - A&A Patents&Design Rewind-2016

GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES IPR PROTECTION

SCHEME FOR FACILITATING START-UPS (SIPP)

The SIPP or the Scheme for Facilitating provided that any such entity formed by splitting up
Start-Ups Intellectual Property Protection or reconstruction of a business already in existence
is a part of the recently launched Start- shall not be considered a start-up.

Up India Action Plan. Supported extensively by

the Government of India, its vision is to protect Facilitators
and promote intellectual property rights of start- The scheme provides for appointment of facilitators

ups and thus encourage innovation and creativity who could be Patent Agents or Trademark

among them. The primary objective of the SIPP Agents registered with The primary objective of the SIPP
scheme is to promote awareness and the adoption the Controller General scheme is to promote awareness
of IPRs amongst start-ups. The scheme is designed of Patents, Trademarks and the adoption of IPRs amongst
to nurture innovative and emerging technologies and Designs (CGPDTM), start-ups. The scheme is designed
in start-ups and assist them in protecting and Advocates under the to nurture innovative and
commercializing the same by providing access to Advocates Act, 1961 and emerging technologies in start-
high quality IP services and resources. government departments ups and assist them in protecting
or organizations like TIFAC, and commercializing the same by
In furtherance of this objective, the SIPP NRDC, BIRAC, DEITY, providing access to high quality IP
scheme helps start-ups to register and protect DSIR etc. The government services and resources.
their Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) at charges has already registered a
that are affordable and convenient for them. The number of Patent Agents

SIPP endows start-ups with a lot of benefits. To and Trademark Agents as facilitators under the

begin with, the SIPP has recognized facilitators scheme after inviting applications on the same.

who are to assist start-ups in obtaining intellectual

property protection. The cost of the facilitators will The facilitators are responsible for providing the

be borne by the Government. following assistance to the start-ups:

i. General advise on different Intellectual

Who Can Apply Property Rights on pro bono basis
Any ‘Start-up’ recognized in terms of explanation 5 ii. Information regarding protection and

of the Government of India notification GSR 180(E) promotion of IPRs in other countries.

dated 17.02.2016 can apply for benefits under the iii. Assistance in filing and prosecution of patents,

scheme. An entity incorporated or registered in trademarks and designs applications, including

India, shall be considered as a ‘start-up’ if- preparing responses to Examination reports,

i. not more than five years from the date of its appearing for hearing, contesting oppositions,

incorporation/registration have lapsed, etc.

ii. its turnover for any of the financial years has iv. Drafting Patent Specifications

not exceeded Rupees 25 crore, and

iii. it is working towards innovation, development, The scheme can be accessed at:-

deployment or commercialization of new http://www.startupindia.gov.in/uploads/pdf/SIPP_

products, processes or services driven by IPR_Scheme.pdf

technology or intellectual property;

14 | Patents & Design