Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for assistance to MSMEs: Assistance for Patent Registration
75% patent cost reimbursement up to ₹25 lakh · Gujarat MSMEs
Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme reimburses 75% of patent registration costs (up to ₹25 lakh) for MSMEs and individual innovators in Gujarat — covering attorney fees, patent office fees, and related charges for Indian and international patents.
About This Scheme
Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme reimburses 75% of patent registration costs (up to ₹25 lakh) for MSMEs and individual innovators in Gujarat — covering attorney fees, patent office fees, and related charges for Indian and international patents.
Full official description
The "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for MSMEs" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat. It aims to empower the state's dynamic MSME sector, which significantly contributes to employment, GDP, and exports. Effective from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027, this initiative supports growth, investments, and the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat." The component "Assistance for Patent Registration", provides financial support for individuals and legal entities to obtain patent registration for their developed products or processes. It covers a portion of the costs incurred for patent application, attorney fees, and associated expenses during the scheme's operative period.
Benefits
- Reimbursement: 75% of total patent registration cost
- Maximum: ₹25,00,000 per applicant
- Covers: Patent attorney fees, patent office filing fees, patent service centre charges
- Applies to: Indian and international (PCT) patent applications
💡 Why Startups Should Care
Patent protection is expensive — a single Indian patent can cost ₹2–5 lakh in attorney and filing fees. This scheme reimburses 75% of those costs up to ₹25 lakh, meaning for a portfolio of patents, Gujarat is effectively subsidising your IP strategy. For deeptech or product startups, this removes a major financial barrier to protecting your core innovation.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
Micro, Small, or Medium enterprise or individual innovator registered/operating in Gujarat under the MSME/Udyam framework.
Exclusions
- Available only to registered MSMEs in Gujarat with Udyam/IEM registration
- Only expenditure on patent attorneys, patent service centres, and official registration fees are eligible
How to Apply
- Visit ifp.gujarat.gov.in/DIGIGOV/ and register as a new investor.
- Log in and select the Aatmanirbhar Gujarat MSME scheme — Patent Registration Assistance.
- Fill in enterprise details and patent details.
- Upload Udyam/IEM/LOI certificate, enterprise constitution, PAN cards, and patent registration documents.
- Submit the application and note your Reference Number.
- Reimbursement is processed after patent approval and cost verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to MSMEs"?
The "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to MSMEs" is a state initiative designed to support and strengthen the MSME sector in Gujarat. It aims to enhance growth, encourage investments, and contribute to the vision of self-reliant Gujarat and India.
When is the scheme operative?
The scheme is operative from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2027, covering a period of five years.
What are the objectives of the scheme?
The scheme aims to boost MSME growth, enhance the industrial ecosystem, encourage investments, and contribute to Gujarat's and India's self-reliance vision.
What are some initiatives included in the scheme?
The scheme includes the establishment of new industrial estates, sector-specific parks, and infrastructure projects, along with amendments to the Gujarat Industrial Policy 2020 to further support MSME growth.
Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?
MSMEs established and operating within Gujarat are eligible to benefit from the scheme, as per the criteria defined in the policy framework.
Who is eligible to apply for the "Assistance for Patent Registration" component?
Individuals or any legal entity can apply for assistance under the scheme.
What is the maximum amount of assistance available under the scheme?
The maximum assistance is 75% of the total cost, up to [?]25,00,000/- per applicant or enterprise.
What costs are covered under this scheme?
The scheme covers costs related to patent attorney fees, patent service centers, patent registration, and equipment purchased to develop the patent (excluding travel and hotel charges).
What is the cap on attorney fees?
Attorney fees for national patents are capped at [?]50,000/-, and for international patents, the fee is capped at [?]2,00,000/- per country.
When will the assistance be disbursed?
50% of the assistance will be disbursed after the publication or notification of the patent, and the remaining 50% will be given after the patent certificate is issued.
How long does an applicant have to submit the application for assistance?
The application must be submitted within one year from the date of publication or notification of the patent.
Are there any expenditures that are not eligible for assistance?
Travel, hotel charges, and other unrelated expenses are not eligible for assistance.
Can enterprises that applied for the scheme under previous guidelines receive assistance?
Yes, eligible enterprises that opted for this scheme under previous guidelines can also claim assistance for expenditures incurred during that period.
Can an enterprise receive assistance for more than one patent?
Yes, the scheme provides assistance for any number of patent applications, subject to the [?]25,00,000/- ceiling per applicant/enterprise.
Can expenses for developing patent equipment be reimbursed?
Yes, expenses related to patent equipment development are eligible for reimbursement, except for travel and hotel charges.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Copy of Udyam / IEM / LOI registration certificate
- Enterprise constitution (MOA, partnership deed, etc.)
- PAN card of enterprise
- PAN card of applicant/promoters/directors
- Patent application or grant documents
- Invoices for patent attorney and registration fees