The “Assistance for Intellectual Property Protection Support” scheme is implemented by the Industries and Commerce Department, UT of Puducherry. It falls under the broader initiative “Motivation of Entrepreneurs to Start Industries and Fiscal Assistance to Industries – Various Incentives”. The scheme has been active since April 1, 2017, and covers all regions within the Union Territory.
Its primary goal is to promote innovation by subsidizing costs related to domestic and international patent registrations for eligible industrial units.
Benefits
• 50% reimbursement on expenditure for patent-related services
• Max ₹2,00,000 for domestic patents
• Max ₹5,00,000 for international patents
• Subsidy is disbursed either:
-
Through banks/financial institutions (if financed)
-
Directly to the unit (if self-financed)
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicable to Micro, Small, Medium, and Large Industries
• Investment should be made on or after 01.04.2017
• Must provide minimum 60% employment to local residents of Puducherry
• Only expenditure on patent attorney/service centre fees & registration is considered (excludes travel/hotel)
• Units must not dispose of fixed assets for 5 years post-subsidy
• Additional claims allowed for subsequent investments
• Separate subsidies possible for multiple units of the same owner, provided:
-
Different locations
-
Separate registrations/licenses
Application Process
Offline Mode
-
Download the application form from the Official Website of Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Puducherry
-
Fill out the form with all required details and attach supporting documents (self-attested).
-
Submit the application to the concerned authority.
-
Obtain acknowledgment with date/time and tracking number.
Post-Application Process
• Applications are scrutinized based on merit by the Directorate.
• A State Level Committee evaluates eligibility and determines subsidy amount.
Time & Mode of Disbursement
• Disbursed after patent publication/notification
• Given in single or multiple installments (based on fund availability)
• Through financial institutions/banks for financed units
• Directly to entrepreneur in self-financed cases
Documents Required
• UAM / EM Part II / Commencement of Production Certificate
• Chartered Accountant Certificate for expenses
• Proof of payment to patent attorney/patent service centre
• Patent copy (if applicable)
• Approval from QCI (if certifying agency involved)
• Registration with EPC/FIEO (if applicable)
• Relevant certificates and acknowledgments (based on audit, fair participation, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How are units categorized based on the start of commercial production?
A: Based on the date verified by the Industries Department after submission.
Q: Who prescribes the subsidy forms under the scheme?
A: The Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Puducherry.
Q: How can the Government recover amounts under the scheme?
A: Through recovery proceedings if subsidy conditions are violated.
Q: When is subsidy refundable?
A: If the unit fails to maintain eligibility or violates affidavit conditions.
Q: What if 60% local employment is not maintained?
A: The unit may be liable to refund the subsidy amount.
Q: What are reporting obligations for units?
A: Units must report employment, production, and other info annually or as required.
Q: Can fixed assets be transferred post-subsidy?
A: No, not for 5 years after receiving subsidy.
Q: How are multiple units by the same person treated?
A: They are eligible separately if located differently with separate registrations.
Q: Can units that received subsidies from other agencies also apply?
A: Yes, as long as they meet this scheme’s conditions.
Q: How is installment disbursement determined?
A: Based on fund availability and decision by authorities.
Q: Who gets direct subsidy disbursal?
A: Self-financed industrial units.
Q: How is subsidy disbursed for bank-financed units?
A: Through the bank/financial institution towards loans or working capital.