Introduction to the SIPP Scheme

The Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme is an initiative by the Government of India aimed at encouraging and facilitating the registration of Intellectual Property (IP) by startups. This scheme is a part of the broader Startup India Action Plan and seeks to protect and promote the innovative efforts of startups, ensuring they can safeguard their unique creations and inventions. By reducing the financial and administrative burdens associated with IP registration, the SIPP Scheme empowers startups to focus on their core business activities and drive growth.

Benefits of the SIPP Scheme for Industrial Design

1. Reduced Costs: The SIPP Scheme significantly reduces the costs associated with IP filings for startups. The government bears the majority of the costs, making it more affordable for startups to protect their designs. This financial support is crucial for early-stage startups operating on limited budgets.

2. Expert Assistance: Under the SIPP Scheme, startups have access to a panel of IP Facilitators who provide professional assistance in filing and managing design registrations. This ensures that startups receive high-quality support throughout the process, reducing the risk of errors and rejections. The expertise of these facilitators can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of IP law.

3. Increased Awareness: The SIPP Scheme also focuses on raising awareness about the importance of IP among startups. By educating entrepreneurs about the benefits of protecting their designs, the scheme fosters a culture of innovation and IP awareness. This education is essential for ensuring that startups understand the strategic value of their intellectual property.

4. Government-Funded Facilitator Fee: Under the Startup India: Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) scheme, the government provides significant support by covering the professional fees of facilitators involved in the design registration process. This feature of the scheme is designed to minimize the financial burden on startups, allowing them to focus on innovation and business growth rather than worrying about legal costs.

Key Highlights of the SIPP Scheme:

i. Zero Facilitator Fees for Startups: The government directly pays the professional fees to the empanelled facilitators, such as IP experts, advocates, and government-approved IP Mitras, who assist startups in securing their design registrations. This means that startups do not have to bear any out-of-pocket expenses for hiring IP professionals to guide them through the complex legal procedures.

ii. Comprehensive Support at No Cost: Facilitators provide end-to-end services without charging the startups. From the initial consultation, document preparation, application filing, and even responding to queries raised by the Design Office—startups receive full-fledged IP assistance. This ensures that they benefit from expert guidance without any hidden or upfront costs, significantly reducing their legal expenses.

iii. Focus on Core Business Operations: With the professional fees eliminated, startups can direct their resources toward product development, marketing, and scaling their business. This government-backed initiative frees up vital funds for growth activities, which is particularly valuable in the early stages of a startup when capital is often limited.

iv. Encouraging IP Protection Without Financial Constraints: The waiver of facilitator fees ensures that the cost of legal services is not a barrier to seeking design protection. This inclusivity promotes a wider uptake of IP protection services, enabling startups to safeguard their creative designs without hesitation.

v. Boosting IP Culture and Innovation: By eliminating financial disincentives, the government is encouraging more startups to protect their intellectual property, fostering a culture of IP awareness and innovation. Startups can now afford to secure their designs and gain exclusive rights, enhancing their competitive positioning in the market.

Our Role in the SIPP Scheme

At cRadle and bAr, we are proud to support the SIPP Scheme and assist startups in navigating the design registration process. Our dedicated team of professionals provides comprehensive services to ensure your designs are well-protected under the SIPP Scheme. From the initial consultation to the final registration, we are with you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless and efficient process.

IP Mitra for Design

As a Government-empanelled IP Mitra for Design, Adv. Ansh Malhotra, our founder, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. His role as an IP Mitra involves:

• Providing Expert Guidance: Offering expert guidance on the design registration process, including strategic advice on how to best protect your intellectual property.

• Preparing and Filing Applications: Assisting startups in preparing and filing design applications to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Ensuring Compliance: Ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements to avoid any legal pitfalls.

• Representation in Hearings: Representing clients in case of objections or hearings, providing robust advocacy to protect your interests.

Our commitment to supporting startups extends beyond just legal advice. Through our IP Awareness Programme and the creation of Jr. Shubhu, an adorable and accessible tool designed to bridge the gap between us and those in need, we aim to make IP protection more approachable and comprehensible. Jr. Shubhu is available for free and helps extend our pro bono services, particularly for startups and individual innovators. It is a testament to our dedication to making intellectual property rights accessible to all, enhancing our reach and impact.

Get in Touch

If you are a startup looking to protect your designs under the SIPP Scheme, we are here to help. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your innovation journey and ensure your designs receive the protection they deserve. Together, we can make your creative visions a reality, providing the security you need to innovate with confidence. At cRadle and bAr, your intellectual property is not just protected; it's empowered.