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%
