Trademark Reimbursement Scheme

Description
The scheme “Trademark 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. For start-ups that have successfully entered the production/service delivery phase, and want to trademark their company name and logo, 50% of the cost of trade-mark registration of their company name and logo will be reimbursed up to ₹ 25,000/-.

Benefits
• For start-ups that have successfully entered the production/service delivery phase, and want to trademark their company name and logo, 50% of the cost of trade-mark registration of their company name and logo will be reimbursed up to ₹ 25,000/-.
• The benefits of this scheme can be availed by up to 200 applicants per year who shall be selected by the SPC as per its guidelines.
• Once the application is approved by the SPC, the approved amount shall be disbursed within 60 days from the date of approval.
• NOTE: Under no circumstance shall the benefits under this scheme be considered an entitlement. The SPC shall reserve the sole right to accept/reject applications.

Eligibility Criteria
1. The applicant should be a startup certified by the Startup Promotion Cell (SPC).
2. The applicant should have a valid start-up certificate number.
3. The startup must have successfully registered its trademark.
4. **NOTE:** Only expenditures incurred after notification of Goa Start-up Policy 2017, being within the validity of this policy and paid for digitally would be considered for reimbursement under this scheme. If digital payments are not possible then it shall be up to the decision of SPC based on its due diligence to admit the expenditure.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: Visit the Official Website of Goa Startup Mission.
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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.
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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.).
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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 @ # $ % ^ & + =).
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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.
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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".
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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".
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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).
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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]
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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.
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 Trademark Certificate*
• The form and documents as mentioned in Annexure 1*
• **NOTE:** The bank accounts of the Directors of the company should be linked to Aadhaar.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can start-ups apply for this scheme if they have not yet entered the production/service delivery phase?
A: No, this scheme is specifically for start-ups that have successfully entered the production/service delivery phase.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of times a start-up can reapply for this scheme if rejected?
A: There is no specific limit to reapplications, but each application should meet the scheme's criteria.

Q: Is there a specific time window for submitting the application each year?
A: Applicants can apply at any time during the financial year but only within 6 months of incurring the relevant expenditure.

Q: Can start-ups in any industry or sector apply for this scheme?
A: Start-ups from various industries or sectors can apply as long as they meet the scheme's eligibility criteria.

Q: Can the reimbursement amount exceed the actual cost of trademark registration?
A: No, the reimbursement amount is capped at 50% of the actual cost or INR 25,000, whichever is lower.

Q: Is there a specific authority responsible for trademark registration in Goa?
A: Trademark registration is typically handled by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks.

Q: Can start-ups trademark their company name and logo independently, or must it be done together?
A: Start-ups can trademark their company name and logo independently under this scheme.

Q: How does this scheme benefit start-ups in the long term?
A: By providing reimbursement for trademark registration, the scheme helps start-ups protect their brand identity, which is crucial for long-term success.

Q: How can start-ups ensure their application is considered for approval?
A: Start-ups should submit a complete application form with all required documents and ensure that their expenditure meets the scheme's criteria.

Q: Can start-ups apply for trademark registration for products and services other than their company name and logo under this scheme?
A: This scheme specifically covers the trademark registration of the company name and logo, not other products or services.

Q: Are there any fees associated with applying for this scheme?
A: No, there are no application fees associated with applying for this scheme.

Q: Can start-ups apply for this scheme retroactively for trademark registration expenses?
A: No, only expenses incurred after the notification of Goa Start-up Policy 2017 are considered for reimbursement.

Q: When can the approved amount be expected to be disbursed?
A: Approved amounts are disbursed within 60 days from the date of approval.

Q: What is the timeframe for eligible expenditure to be considered for reimbursement?
A: Eligible expenditure must be incurred after the notification of Goa Start-up Policy 2017, within its validity, and paid digitally.

Q: Are the benefits guaranteed for all eligible start-ups?
A: No, the benefits are not guaranteed; the SPC reserves the right to accept or reject applications.