While, it is noted that any group, industry or individual is bound to pay the IPR fees at various levels of its filings, government has recently proposed to reduce fees for various intellectual property rights like patents and designs for micro, small and medium enterprises and startups to promote innovation, Commerce and Industry Ministry said on Monday, 16th September, 2019.

The proposal states that fees for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups for filing of patent applications will be reduced to Rs 1,600 or Rs 1,750 from Rs 4,000 or Rs 4,400.

For expedited examination, it will be reduced to Rs 8,000 from Rs 25,000 currently. Similarly, for renewal of patents too, the fees will be reduced.

For Geographical Indications (GI), fees was proposed to cut to nil for filing of application, issuance of certificate and renewal of GI from the current Rs 500, Rs 100 and Rs 1,000, respectively.

It also said domestic filing for patents has increased from 22 per cent in 2013-14 to 34 per cent in 2018-19.