The Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for MSMEs is an umbrella initiative by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat. It aims to empower the state’s MSME sector, which is a vital contributor to employment, GDP, and exports. The scheme, effective from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027, supports the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Gujarat” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
The “Assistance for Patent Registration” component provides financial support to individuals and enterprises for patent registration of their innovative products or processes. The scheme covers up to 75% of the costs related to patent application, attorney fees, and other associated expenses.
Scheme Key Highlights (Short Summary)
• Launch Date: October 5, 2022
• Duration: October 5, 2022 – October 4, 2027
• Assistance Type: Financial support for patent registration
• Maximum Assistance: ₹25,00,000 per applicant/enterprise
• Attorney Fee Caps: ₹50,000 for domestic patents, ₹2,00,000 for international patents per country
• Disbursement: 50% after patent publication/notification, remaining 50% after patent certificate issuance
• Eligibility: Micro/Small/Medium enterprises or individuals
Benefits
• 75% reimbursement of costs incurred for patent applications, including attorney and patent service fees
• Maximum reimbursement of ₹25,00,000
• Support for patent equipment development, excluding travel and hotel expenses
• Caps on attorney fees: ₹50,000 for domestic patents, ₹2,00,000 for international patents per country
• Disbursement of assistance: 50% after publication, remaining 50% after patent certificate issuance
Eligibility
• Micro/Small/Medium enterprises or individuals
• Must have obtained acknowledgment or registration from Ministry of MSME or DPIIT
• Application must be submitted within one year from the date of publication/notification of the patent
• Enterprises must submit applications for assistance within the scheme’s operative period
Application Process
Online
• Step 1: Visit the Investor Facilitation Portal (IFP)
• Step 2: Click on “New Investor Registration” to access the registration form
• Step 3: Fill out the registration form and click Submit
• Step 4: Verify your email via the verification link sent to your registered email
• Step 5: Once verified, registration is complete
Post-Registration Process
• Step 1: Visit the IFP portal and click on “Login”
• Step 2: Enter your registered email and password
• Step 3: Fill in the required business details and upload necessary documents
• Step 4: Submit the application
Documents Required
• Udyam/IEM/LOI Registration certificate
• Constitution of the applicant (Memorandum of Association, Partnership Deed, etc.)
• PAN Card of the enterprise and applicant/promoters/directors
• Application submitted to the Patent Office with Form 2
• Acknowledgment receipt from the Patent Office
• Patent publication/notification
• Payment receipts of fees paid to the Patent Office and patent attorney
• Invoices for equipment purchased for developing patent with justification and bills
• CA Certified Statement of expenditure for patent registration
• Bank account statement for patent-related expenditure
• CA Certified Balance Sheet of the last financial year
• Board Resolution/Power of Attorney/Consent letter (if applicable)
• Self-declaration (as per Annexure)
• Cancelled cheque
• GST registration certificate (if applicable)
• ERP system installation certificate (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the “Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to MSMEs”?
A: It is a financial assistance scheme launched to support MSMEs in Gujarat, including the provision of reimbursement for patent registration.
Q: When is the scheme operative?
A: From October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027.
Q: What are the objectives of the scheme?
A: To promote innovation, support intellectual property protection, and boost the MSME sector in Gujarat.
Q: What are some initiatives included in the scheme?
A: Assistance for patent registration, technology acquisition, and financial support for MSME growth.
Q: Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?
A: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, or individuals who meet the criteria and have developed a new product or process.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the “Assistance for Patent Registration” component?
A: MSMEs and individuals who have developed new products or processes and are seeking patent registration.
Q: What is the maximum amount of assistance available under the scheme?
A: Up to ₹25,00,000 per applicant or enterprise.
Q: What costs are covered under this scheme?
A: Patent application fees, attorney fees, patent service center costs, and expenses for patent equipment development (excluding travel and hotel costs).
Q: What is the cap on attorney fees?
A: Domestic attorney fees are capped at ₹50,000; international attorney fees are capped at ₹2,00,000 per country.
Q: When will the assistance be disbursed?
A: 50% of the assistance is disbursed after patent publication/notification, and the remaining 50% after the patent certificate is issued.
Q: How long does an applicant have to submit the application for assistance?
A: The application must be submitted within one year from the date of publication or notification of the patent.
Q: Are there any expenditures that are not eligible for assistance?
A: Yes, expenses for travel, hotel, and non-patent-related equipment development are not eligible.
Q: Can enterprises that applied for the scheme under previous guidelines receive assistance?
A: Yes, if they meet the eligibility requirements under the current scheme guidelines.
Q: Can an enterprise receive assistance for more than one patent?
A: Yes, enterprises can apply for assistance for multiple patents if they meet the criteria.
Q: Can expenses for developing patent equipment be reimbursed?
A: Yes, expenses for equipment development are eligible, excluding travel and hotel costs.
Sources and References
• Guidelines 1
• Guidelines 2
• Online Application Portal
• Document Checklist