Subsidy for Asset Creation for Intellectual Property: Subsidy on the Cost of Trade Mark Registration or Geographical Indications (GI) in India or Abroad

Description
The scheme "Subsidy for Asset Creation for Intellectual Property: Subsidy on the Cost of Trade Mark Registration or Geographical Indications GI in India or Abroad" 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
• 50% subsidy on the cost of applying for Trade Mark Registration including the cost of the first-time maintenance fee of the granted application, subject to a maximum of ₹ 25, 000/- per Trade Mark or Geographical Indications registered.

Eligibility Criteria
1. All new and existing micro, small and medium manufacturing enterprises including clusters 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 3 months after the completion of the financial year for the claim of the previous year.

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: What is the reimbursement timeline for the scheme?
A: Reimbursement needs to be claimed within 6 months from the date of obtaining Patent/Trade Mark Registration/Geographical Indications.

Q: Is there a specific link to check eligibility under the scheme?
A: Yes, applicants can check their eligibility at https://www.msmeonline.tn.gov.in/incentives/know_your_eligibility.php.

Q: Are there any additional fees covered by the subsidy apart from the Trade Mark Registration cost?
A: Yes, the subsidy covers the cost of the first-time maintenance fee of the granted application under Trade Mark Registration.

Q: Is the subsidy applicable to both new and existing enterprises?
A: Yes, both new and existing micro, small, and medium manufacturing enterprises are eligible to apply for the subsidy.

Q: Can existing enterprises located outside Tamil Nadu apply for this subsidy?
A: No, the scheme is applicable only to micro, small, and medium manufacturing enterprises, including clusters, located within Tamil Nadu.

Q: What is the maximum subsidy amount provided for Trade Mark Registration or Geographical Indications?
A: The maximum subsidy provided is [?]25,000 per Trade Mark or Geographical Indication registered under the scheme.

Q: Is there a specific online portal for submitting applications?
A: Yes, applicants can submit their applications through the official portal: https://www.msmeonline.tn.gov.in/incentives/patent_trade.php.

Q: Are there any specific conditions for the file format and size while submitting documents?
A: Yes, the file format should be PDF (.pdf), and the file size should be less than 200 kb.

Q: How can an applicant track the status of their application?
A: Applicants can track the status of their application by visiting the URL: https://www.msmeonline.tn.gov.in/incentives/app_track.php?id=Track%20Your%20Status.

Q: What are the key documents required for availing the subsidy benefits?
A: The required documents include a UDYAM Registration Certificate, product registration under Trade Mark Registration, Patent registration, Geographical Indication of Goods registration, self-certified statement on expenditure, loan sanction letter (if applicable), and related invoices.

Q: How much reimbursement can an eligible enterprise receive under the scheme?
A: Eligible enterprises can receive reimbursement up to [?]1,00,000 for the cost of Trade Mark Registration, including the maintenance fee, with a maximum subsidy of [?]25,000 per Trade Mark or Geographical Indication registered.