Patent Filing Reimbursement Scheme

The Patent Filing Reimbursement Scheme, 2018 is implemented by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Goa under the Goa Information Technology Policy and Roadmap – 2018. The scheme came into effect from the date of its publication in the official gazette and is designed to remain operational for five years from the date of notification. Its primary purpose is to encourage innovation and intellectual property creation among IT units operating in Goa by reimbursing costs incurred for patent filing. Through this initiative, the Government aims to promote research, innovation, and technology-driven entrepreneurship in the state. As an MSME or startup operating in Goa, your business can benefit by receiving reimbursement support for patent filing expenses incurred during the policy period, thereby reducing the financial burden associated with protecting intellectual property.

Key Features
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
Documents Required
Application Process

Key Features

Patent Filing Reimbursement Support - The scheme reimburses expenses incurred by eligible IT units for filing patents. This support helps enterprises protect their innovations and technology developments without bearing the full cost of the patent filing process.
Eligibility for New and Existing Units - Both newly established and already operating IT units in Goa can apply under this scheme. This ensures that startups as well as established companies can receive financial support for intellectual property protection.
Coverage for Domestic and International Patents - The scheme supports patent filings within India as well as internationally. This allows businesses to secure intellectual property rights globally and expand their innovation footprint.
Maximum Assistance up to ₹25 Lakh per Unit - Each eligible unit can receive reimbursement up to ₹25 lakh during the policy period. This cap ensures meaningful financial assistance while supporting multiple patent applications.
Policy Period Eligibility - The incentive is available for patents granted during the operational period of the Goa IT Policy 2018, ensuring that only patents filed within the policy timeline qualify for reimbursement.
Flexible Application Frequency - Applicants can submit reimbursement claims quarterly, bi-annually, or annually after incurring the relevant expenditure. This provides flexibility for businesses depending on their patent filing timeline.
Evaluation by Committee - Applications are reviewed by a Due Diligence Committee and approved by the Empowered Committee. This evaluation ensures that reimbursements are granted only to valid claims.
Defined Disbursement Process - Once approved, the reimbursement amount is released by the Government after verification and sanction order issuance.

Financial Assistance

Component	Assistance Provided	Detailed Explanation
Domestic Patent Filing	Reimbursement up to ₹2.5 lakh per successful domestic patent	If your IT company files a patent in India and the patent is successfully granted, the government can reimburse expenses up to ₹2.5 lakh incurred during the filing process such as filing fees and professional charges.
International Patent Filing	Reimbursement up to ₹5 lakh per successful international patent	For patents filed and granted in foreign jurisdictions, the scheme reimburses expenses up to ₹5 lakh per patent. For example, if your startup files a patent in the US or Europe and receives approval, you can claim reimbursement under this scheme.
Maximum Reimbursement Limit	Up to ₹25 lakh per unit	The total reimbursement that a unit can receive under the scheme is capped at ₹25 lakh during the policy period, irrespective of the number of patents filed.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply under the scheme, the applicant must meet the following conditions:

The unit must be located and operating in the State of Goa.
Both new and existing IT units are eligible.
The applicant entity must be one of the following:
- Proprietorship Firm
- Private Limited Company (Companies Act 2013)
- Public Limited Company
- Registered Partnership Firm (Indian Partnership Act 1932)
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP Act 2008)
The bank accounts of the unit or its partners/directors must be linked with Aadhaar.
The applicant must possess Udyog Aadhaar / Udyam Registration.
Patents must be granted during the policy period.

Non-Eligibility Conditions

Units already availing similar financial incentives under another central or state policy are not eligible for this scheme.
Benefits are subject to budget allocation, and claims may stop if funds are exhausted.

Documents Required

Certificate of incorporation / registration
New unit registration certificate
PAN, Aadhaar and GST registration copies
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Proof of commencement of operations (first bill or equivalent document)
Patent filing receipts / challans showing payment of fees
Copy of patent filing application
Copy of patent registration certificate
Previous sanction letters (if reimbursement already claimed earlier)

Application Process

Option 1: Apply with Bullit, Recommended

Start instantly with our guided application support, where our team verifies eligibility, prepares documentation, and coordinates with the Industries Department on your behalf. Using our business loans and compliance calendar, you can track progress while focusing on project execution, we manage the application end-to-end.

Option 2: Apply Online / Offline (Government Process)

Fill the Common Application Form (Part-1) along with supporting documents.
Submit the form through the web portal or via email to the Department of Information Technology.
A unique registration number will be generated for the unit.
Submit Common Application Form (Part-2) and incentive-specific forms for claiming reimbursement.
Attach required documents such as patent filing receipts and certificates.
The Due Diligence Committee evaluates the application.
If approved by the Empowered Committee, sanction orders are issued.
Reimbursement amount is released after approval.

Disbursement Timeline

Activity	Timeline
Application receipt	Day 0
Application scrutiny	Within 30 days
Approval by Empowered Committee	Within 60 days
Sanction order & disbursement	Within 90 days

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Patent Filing Reimbursement Scheme?

Any new or existing IT unit operating within the state of Goa can apply for this scheme. The applicant must be registered as a proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company and should have valid Udyam or Udyog Aadhaar registration.

What type of patents are covered under this scheme?

The scheme supports both domestic and international patents that are successfully granted. Expenses incurred for filing these patents during the policy period can be reimbursed subject to scheme limits.

What is the maximum reimbursement amount available?

An eligible unit can receive reimbursement up to ₹25 lakh during the policy period. The reimbursement amount is limited to ₹2.5 lakh per domestic patent and ₹5 lakh per international patent.

Can startups apply for this scheme?

Yes, startups operating as IT units in Goa can apply if they meet the eligibility requirements. The scheme aims to promote innovation and intellectual property development among emerging technology enterprises.

When can a business submit a reimbursement claim?

A business can apply for reimbursement after incurring the patent filing expenditure. Claims may be submitted quarterly, bi-annually, or annually depending on the unit’s filing activity.

Is Aadhaar linkage required for the scheme?

Yes, the bank accounts of the applicant unit or its partners/directors must be linked with Aadhaar to be eligible for the benefits under this scheme.