The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has proposed 50% to 100% reduction in processing fees for different intellectual property rights, such as patents and designs, for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups. The proposed changes would affect both electronic and physical filing. 1. 60%-68% reductions for patents: Reductions have been proposed only for MSMEs. Activity Current Fees (₹) Proposed Fees (₹) Reduction (%) Filing 4,000/4,400 1,600/1,750 60 Request for Examination 10,000/11,000 4,000/4,4000 60 Expedited Examination (only e-filing) 25,000 8,000 68 Renewal 2,000 to 20,000 (+10% for physical filing) 800 to 8,000 (+10% for physical filing) 60 2. 50% reduction for designs: These reductions would benefit both MSMEs and start-ups. Activity Current Fees (₹) Proposed Fees (₹) Reduction (%) Filing 2,000 1,000 50 3. Scrap fees for geographical indications: The Ministry has proposed removing the current fees for registration (₹500), issuance of registration certificate (₹100), and renewal (₹1,000) altogether. The Ministry also said that between 2013-14 and 2018-19: Number of patent applications rose by 18% Number of trademark applications rose by 69% Share of domestic filing for patents rose from 22% to 34% Number of patent applications disposed rose by 353% Number of trademark applications disposed rose by 395%
