IP Facilitation Scheme: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how startups and SMEs can access lower government fees and professional facilitators to protect their intellectual property.
The IP Facilitation Scheme is a government initiative designed to help smaller businesses protect their creative assets and inventions through lower costs and professional support.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically designed for startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It targets these specific business types to ensure that smaller entities have the same opportunity to protect their brands, logos, and original content as larger corporations do.
What you get
Participants in the scheme receive two primary benefits. First, you can access reduced government fees when filing for intellectual property, making it more affordable to secure your assets. Second, you gain access to a network of government-empanelled facilitators. These facilitators are professionals who are authorized to assist you through the complexities of the intellectual property process.
What it costs you
The application process for this scheme is free. There is no cost to apply for the benefits offered under this program.
The catch to know
It is important to understand that the empanelled facilitators are not government employees. While they are officially recognized by the government, they are independent professionals. Because they operate as private entities, the quality and style of their service can vary depending on which facilitator you choose.
How to apply
- Confirm that your business is officially registered as either a startup or an SME to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Look for the list of government-empanelled facilitators provided by the issuing body.
- Connect with a chosen facilitator to begin managing your intellectual property filings.
- Use the professional support of your facilitator to ensure you are applying the reduced government fees correctly.