Subsidy for Asset Creation for Intellectual Property: Patent Registration

Description
The scheme "Subsidy for Asset Creation for Intellectual Property: Patent Registration" by the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, is introduced to incentivize MSMEs to innovate and create intellectual property in India and Abroad as a differentiator. No documents are required to avail of the benefits for reimbursement upto ₹1,00,000.

Benefits
• 75% subsidy on the cost of filing of the application for Patent Registration including the cost of the first-time maintenance fee of the granted application, subject to a maximum of ₹ 3,00,000 per Patent registered.

Eligibility Criteria
1. All new and existing micro, small, and medium manufacturing enterprises located anywhere in Tamil Nadu.

Application Process
Step 1: Visit the Official Website/Portal of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. In the top ribbon, click "Login / Registration".
Online
In the registration form, fill in the mandatory details accurately, Name, Date of Birth, Aadhaar Number, Email ID, and Mobile Number. Create a new password. The password must contain a minimum of 8 characters, 1 Upper Case Letter, 1 Lower Case Letter, and 1 Numeric Field.
Fill in the captcha code, and click "Register".
Visit the Login Page and click "Login", and then fill in the credentials received on your registered Email ID and the registered Mobile Number.
After successfully logging in, hover over "Schemes" in the top ribbon, and then click on the concerned scheme from the dropdown.
On the next page, hover over "Apply Online" in the top ribbon, and then click on "New Application" from the dropdown.
Fill in all the mandatory fields of the Application Form. Carefully review all the information provided, acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions, declaration, and privacy policy, and then click "Proceed".
Note down the reference number appearing on the screen and then click "Close".
Now, hover over "Schemes" in the top ribbon, and then click "Upload Documents" from the dropdown.
On the next page, provide the Application ID and click "Submit".
On the next page, upload all the mandatory documents in the specified format and size.
After uploading the documents, click "View" to verify the documents uploaded for correctness.
Fill in all the checkboxes appearing at the bottom of the screen and then click "Submit Application".
The message regarding the submission of the online application to GM/DIC / RJD will be received on your mobile phone.
(Optional)

Step 2: Step 6: Track Application Status
Online
You can check the status of your application here. The portal may provide updates via email or SMS regarding your application status.
Within 6 months from the date of obtaining Patent/Trade Mark Registration/Geographical Indications (GI).

Required Documents
• Copy of UDYAM Registration Certificate.
• Copy of Products Registered under Trade Mark Registration as per Trade Marks Act 1999 "TM Act".
• Copy of Patent Registered and Issued by the Competitive Authority as per Indian Patent Act 1970.
• Copy of the Registered Goods under the Geographical Indication of Goods Registration and Protection Act, 1999.
• Self-Certified Statement on Expenditure Incurred for Obtaining Geographical Registration with a Copy of the Bills/Vouchers and Receipt, etc. In Case of Non-Availability of Receipts, the Bank Scroll That Shows the Payment Details.
• Copy of Loan Sanction Letter, if Availed, for Obtaining the Registration Purpose from Bank/Financial Institutions.
• Copy of Invoices and Receipts for the Payment Made.
• Advance Stamped Receipt.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the scheme contribute to the differentiation of MSMEs, particularly concerning innovation and intellectual property creation on a global scale?
A: By offering substantial subsidies for Patent Registration, the scheme actively encourages MSMEs to innovate, creating a distinctive identity for themselves in both Indian and international markets.

Q: In the context of eligibility, does the scheme consider the size and type of manufacturing enterprises, and are there any specific exclusions?
A: The scheme is inclusive, covering all new and existing micro, small, and medium manufacturing enterprises in Tamil Nadu, without imposing exclusions based on size or type.

Q: Is there a dedicated portal or link for initiating the application process, and what are the key features of this online platform?
A: The application process can be initiated through the official portal. The platform streamlines the application process for the convenience of MSMEs.

Q: Are there specific guidelines regarding the utilization of the subsidy amount, and can it be used for purposes other than filing for Patent Registration?
A: The subsidy is designated for covering the cost of filing for Patent Registration and the first-time maintenance fee, ensuring its focused application to intellectual property creation.

Q: What role does the competitive authority play in the context of Patent Registration, as mentioned in the scheme details?
A: The competitive authority, as per the Indian Patent Act 1970, issues and registers patents. Applicants must provide a copy of the patent registered by this authority.

Q: Are there any specific conditions or considerations related to the expenses incurred for obtaining Geographical Registration?
A: Applicants must provide a self-certified statement on expenditure along with bills/vouchers/receipts for Geographical Registration. In the absence of receipts, bank scrolls showing payment details are acceptable.

Q: Is there a provision for Know Your Eligibility, and if so, where can an applicant find the necessary information?
A: Yes, applicants can assess their eligibility through the "Know Your Eligibility" link: https://www.msmeonline.tn.gov.in/incentives/know_your_eligibility.php

Q: How can an applicant track the status of their application, and is there a specific link for this purpose?
A: Applicants can track the status of their application through the link: https://www.msmeonline.tn.gov.in/incentives/app_track.php?id=Track%20Your%20Status

Q: Could you clarify the documentation required for availing the benefits, particularly the specifications for the file type, size, and content?
A: The necessary documents include UDYAM Registration Certificate, Trade Mark and Patent registrations, a self-certified statement on expenditure, and related invoices. All documents should be in PDF format, with a size limit of 200 kb.

Q: What is the application timeline for availing benefits under this scheme, particularly concerning Patent/Trade Mark Registration or Geographical Indications (GI)?
A: Applicants must submit their applications within 6 months from the date of obtaining Patent/Trade Mark Registration/Geographical Indications (GI) to be eligible for the scheme.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the scheme, and are there any specific geographical constraints for manufacturing enterprises?
A: All new and existing micro, small, and medium manufacturing enterprises located anywhere in Tamil Nadu are eligible to apply for the scheme, emphasizing inclusivity across the state.

Q: Could you elaborate on the reimbursement process for the scheme, especially regarding the maximum limit and documentation required?
A: MSMEs can avail benefits up to [?]1,00,000 without submitting any documents. The scheme offers a 75% subsidy, capped at [?]3,00,000, for the cost of filing a patent, including the first-time maintenance fee.