Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Reimbursement Scheme

Description
The scheme “Intellectual Property Rights IPR Reimbursement Scheme” is a scheme by the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, Government of Goa, for the Startups of Goa. The scheme is a part of the Start-up Policy 2017. The objective of the policy is to make Goa an aspirational geographical and human resource base for startups. The objective is to invite the best entrepreneurial minds and build a robust start-up ecosystem in the State. The policy contains various incentives for Start-ups and to avail the benefits of these incentives, the government has proposed many schemes under the policy.

Benefits
• For start-ups registering national and international IP, the Start-up Promotion Cell will reimburse up to 50% of the cost incurred by the start-up in fees and all other costs associated with IP application, if the IP is registered successfully, subject to a cap of ₹ 2,00,000 for national IP and ₹ 5,00,000 for international IP.
• This benefit can be availed by a maximum of 200 startups each year.
• Once the application is approved by the SPC, the approved amount shall be disbursed within 60 days from the date of approval.
• NOTE 1: Under no circumstance shall the benefits under this scheme be considered an entitlement. The SPC shall reserve the sole right to accept or reject applications.
• NOTE 2: The reimbursement amount will be released/ disbursed on the seniority basis/ SPC recommendation depending upon the budget allotment of the State Government.
• NOTE 3: The reimbursement will be in the nature of a one-time payment and the applicant cannot apply under this provision more than once for the same IP application.

Eligibility Criteria
1. All the Start-ups certified by the Start-up Promotion Cell (SPC) having a valid start-up certificate number are eligible.
2. IP created for a technology-based service or product or uses technology for enhancing functionality or reach of an existing product or service is eligible.
3. The applicant should have already filed or been granted an IP with the concerned authority.
4. The applicant should have paid the mandatory government fees and attorney fees in this regard.
5. Only expenditures incurred after notification of Goa Start-up Policy 2017 within the validity of this policy and paid for digitally would be considered.
6. **NOTE:** If the applicant has applied for the reimbursement benefits/ grant for the same IP in any other scheme of the Centre or other State Government, then the application will be rejected.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Visit the Official Website of Goa Startup Mission.
Online
Step 1: Visit the Official Website of Goa Startup Mission.

Step 2: Step 2: Verify your Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP. You will be redirected to the Registration Page.
Online
Step 2: Verify your Email ID and Mobile Number using OTP. You will be redirected to the Registration Page.

Step 3: Step 3: On the Registration/Signup Page, fill in all the mandatory fields of the registration form (Country, Name, Date of Birth, Address, PIN Code, Gender, etc.).
Online
Step 3: On the Registration/Signup Page, fill in all the mandatory fields of the registration form (Country, Name, Date of Birth, Address, PIN Code, Gender, etc.).

Step 4: Step 4: Create a Login Name and a strong Password (Password can have special characters like @ # $ % ^ & + =).
Online
Step 4: Create a Login Name and a strong Password (Password can have special characters like @ # $ % ^ & + =).

Step 5: Step 5: Carefully read the Declaration and the Terms & Conditions, and tick the checkboxes.
Online
Step 5: Carefully read the Declaration and the Terms & Conditions, and tick the checkboxes.

Step 6: Step 6: Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Register/Signup".
Online
Step 6: Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Register/Signup".

Step 7: Step 7: Login to the website using your Login Name and Password. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Login".
Online
Step 7: Login to the website using your Login Name and Password. Fill in the Captcha Code, and click "Login".

Step 8: Step 8: Navigate to the online application form for the relevant scheme.
Online
Step 8: Navigate to the online application form for the relevant scheme.

Step 9: Step 9: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
Online
Step 9: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields and upload all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).

Step 10: Step 10: Submit the application and note the application reference number for application tracking.
Online
OR

Step 11: Step 1: Take a print of the proforma of the application form. Fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
Online
Step 1: Take a print of the proforma of the application form. Fill in all the mandatory fields, and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).

Step 12: Step 2: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to SPC via Email at [email protected]
Online
NOTE: The applicant can apply for this scheme at any time of the financial year but only within 6 months of incurring the relevant expenditure.

Step 13: Step 1: On receipt of the complete application, the SPC shall inspect and verify the contents of the application. Based on the received documents, SPC will scrutinize and perform necessary due diligence on the expenses incurred by the applicant.
Online
Step 1: On receipt of the complete application, the SPC shall inspect and verify the contents of the application. Based on the received documents, SPC will scrutinize and perform necessary due diligence on the expenses incurred by the applicant.

Step 14: Step 2: The SPC shall recommend the application for the sanction of reimbursement of the costs incurred towards filing or grant of IP as the case may be.
Online
The applications received by the SPC shall be evaluated and approval or rejection shall be notified within 45 days from receipt of the application by the SPC.

Required Documents
• Copy of successful IP registration*
• Original Proof of Payment- Detailed statement of expenses incurred towards the IP Registration along with copies of invoices & receipts from the competent authority and legal counsel as applicable*
• The form and documents as mentioned in Annexure 1*.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if the expenses incurred for IP filing or grant exceed the reimbursement amount available under this scheme?
A: If the expenses incurred exceed the reimbursement amount specified under the scheme, the excess amount will not be reimbursed. Applicants should be aware of the scheme's limits when applying.

Q: Are there any specific categories of technology-based services or products that are particularly encouraged under this scheme?
A: The scheme broadly mentions that technology-based services or products are eligible for reimbursement. Specific categories may not be outlined in the scheme, so applicants are encouraged to apply if their IP involves technology in any form.

Q: How does the SPC determine the approved amount for reimbursement?
A: The approved amount for reimbursement is determined based on seniority and SPC recommendation, considering the budget allotment of the State Government.

Q: Can you provide details about the documents required when submitting an application for this scheme?
A: While specific document requirements may vary, applicants typically need to submit relevant documents related to their IP filing or grant, proof of payment of mandatory government fees and attorney fees, and any other documents specified by the SPC in the application process.

Q: What is the role of the Start-up Promotion Cell (SPC) in the application process for this scheme?
A: The SPC plays a central role in the application process. It receives and evaluates applications, conducts due diligence on expenses, recommends applications for reimbursement, and has the authority to accept or reject claims. Their decision is final and binding.

Q: How long does it take for the SPC to evaluate and approve or reject applications?
A: The applications received by the SPC shall be evaluated, and approval or rejection shall be notified within 45 days from the receipt of the application by the SPC. Once approved, the disbursal of the approved amount will occur within 60 days from the date of approval.

Q: Is there a specific timeframe for applying for this scheme?
A: Applicants can apply for this scheme at any time during the financial year, but they must do so within six months of incurring the relevant expenditure.

Q: What expenses will be considered for reimbursement, and what are the conditions related to digital payments?
A: Only expenditures incurred after the notification of the Goa Start-up Policy 2017 and paid digitally will be considered for reimbursement. If digital payments are not possible, the decision to admit the expenditure will be at the discretion of SPC, subject to their due diligence.

Q: Are there any specific requirements related to the bank accounts of the company's directors?
A: Yes, the bank accounts of the directors of the company should be linked to Aadhaar.

Q: What happens if an applicant has applied for reimbursement benefits or a grant for the same IP under another scheme from the Center or another State Government?
A: If an applicant has applied for reimbursement benefits or a grant for the same IP under another scheme, their application will be rejected under this scheme.

Q: Can startups apply for the IPR Reimbursement Scheme at any time during the year, or are there specific timeframes for application submission?
A: Startups can apply for this scheme at any time during the financial year, but they must do so within 6 months of incurring the relevant expenditure. This ensures that applications remain timely and aligned with the scheme's requirements.

Q: After approval, when can startups expect the disbursal of the benefits under the IPR Reimbursement Scheme, and are there any specific requirements for this process?
A: Once an application is approved by the SPC, the approved amount will be disbursed within 60 days from the date of approval. It's important for startups to ensure that they have met all the scheme's requirements and provided the necessary documentation to facilitate a smooth disbursal process.

Q: How long does it take for applicants to receive a notification regarding the approval or rejection of their IPR Reimbursement Scheme application?
A: Applicants can expect to receive notification within 45 days from the date of their application's receipt by the SPC. This notification will confirm whether the application has been approved or rejected.

Q: What specific benefits are offered to startups under the IPR Reimbursement Scheme, and are there any limits or conditions associated with these benefits?
A: Under this scheme, startups that successfully register national and international Intellectual Property (IP) can receive reimbursement for up to 50% of the costs incurred during the IP application process. The reimbursement is subject to a cap of [?]2,00,000 for national IP and [?]5,00,000 for international IP. However, it's important to note that this benefit is not guaranteed and is subject to approval by the Start-up Promotion Cell (SPC), which retains the right to accept or reject applications.