Building Awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are legal rights that protect your inventions, designs, brands, and creative works. For MSMEs, IPR can be a powerful tool to secure a competitive edge, attract investment, and prevent unauthorised use of your ideas. However, many MSME owners are not fully aware of how to identify, protect, and enforce these rights. The Building Awareness on IPR scheme aims to bridge this gap by providing education, training, and support to MSMEs across India.

What is the Building Awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Scheme?

Launched as a component of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme, the scheme began in May 2010 and is implemented by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India. Its purpose is to raise the level of IPR awareness among MSMEs, helping you integrate IP into your business strategies and protect your innovations.

Objectives of the Intellectual Property Rights Scheme

• Significantly raise awareness and knowledge about IPR among MSMEs.
• Help you integrate IP into your innovation and business planning.
• Improve protection and enforcement of IPR, including increasing registrations and use of non-registered protection methods.
• Increase your ability to fight replication and violation of ideas.

Key Features of the IPR Scheme

• You can attend 1-2 day workshops or seminars designed specifically to make MSMEs more aware about the importance of IPR, usually with around 30 participants per session.
• Expect comprehensive coverage of topics such as patent rights, trademarks, industrial designs, geographical indications, copyright protection, trade secrets, and other relevant areas.
• Benefit from the Training of Trainers initiative, which helps create a pool of experts who can further spread IPR awareness within your community.
• Discover content that is customised to address the unique needs of MSMEs, startups, and specific industry sectors.
• Note that there is no maturity period or interest rate involved, since this scheme focuses on awareness and capacity building rather than financial products.
• Participate in programmes that are organised nationwide, thanks to collaborations with industry bodies and academic institutions, ensuring you have access wherever you are in India.

Financial Assistance Offered Under the IPR Scheme

• Grant Support: Financial assistance is provided for organising awareness programmes, seminars, and workshops.
• Coverage of Costs: Includes expenses for venue, resource persons, materials, and publicity.
• Support for Trainers: Funding for training trainers who will further disseminate IPR knowledge.

Note: 

• The exact amount and eligibility for assistance can vary based on the nature and scale of the event. 
• Similarly, as per the latest guidelines the scheme now provides higher reimbursement limits for patent and GI registration when applied through IP Facilitation Centres (up to ₹1 lakh for domestic patents, ₹5 lakh for foreign patents, and ₹2 lakh for GI registration).

Eligibility Criteria for the IPR Scheme

Eligibility

You are eligible if:

• You are an MSME registered under the MSMED Act, 2006.
• You are an industry association, academic institution, or NGO working with MSMEs.
• You are a new or existing MSME interested in learning about IPR and its application to your business.

Non-Eligibility

You are not eligible if:

• You are not associated with MSME-related activities or organisations.
• You wish to use the scheme for purposes unrelated to IPR awareness or capacity building.

Documents Required for IPR Scheme

• MSME registration certificate
• Proof of identity and address
• Organisation profile (if applying as an association or institution)
• Proposal for the awareness programme or training (for event organisers)
• Bank account details for fund transfer

How to Apply for the Intellectual Property Rights Scheme

Step 1: Visit the official MSME or DCMSME website to fill out the application form for the IPR Awareness Scheme.

Step 2: Prepare your proposal, including details of the planned workshop/seminar, expected participants, and resource persons.

Step 3: Gather the required documents.

Step 4: Submit your application online by filling out the details.

Step 5: Await review and approval. If approved, you will receive financial assistance and support to conduct the programme.

Benefits of Building Awareness on Intellectual Property Protection

• Protect Your Innovations
  You gain knowledge to secure patent rights, trademarks, and copyright protection, preventing unauthorised use of your creations.
• Increase Business Value
  Properly protected IP can enhance your company’s valuation and attract investors.
• Boost Competitiveness
  IPR awareness enables you to leverage your unique products or processes in the market.
• Reduce Legal Risks
  Understanding IPR helps you avoid infringing on others’ rights and manage legal risks effectively.

Real-World Examples of Building Awareness on IPR

• A textile MSME protecting its unique fabric design through design registration.
• A food processing unit securing a geographical indication for its regional specialty.
• A startup patenting a new technology to attract venture capital.

Related Government Support Plans with IPR Scheme

Final Words

As a new MSME owner, investing time in understanding and protecting your intellectual property is essential for sustainable growth. The Building Awareness on IPR scheme is your gateway to expert guidance, practical training, and government support for navigating the world of intellectual property.