Every great business starts with an idea, but an idea is only truly yours when it is legally protected. For many founders, inventors, and small business owners in India—especially in Kerala's booming startup ecosystem—the high costs associated with drafting, filing, and prosecuting a patent can feel like an insurmountable roadblock.
However, protecting your Intellectual Property (IP) doesn't have to drain your working capital. Both the Central Government of India and the State Government of Kerala have aggressively updated their Patent Reimbursement Schemes for 2026. These initiatives are designed to give you your money back, covering both government statutory fees and the professional charges of your IP attorney.
As Kerala’s No.1 trusted partner for intellectual property, BookMyTM (headquartered in Kochi) doesn't just file your patent. We structure your entire filing and billing process to ensure you successfully claim every rupee you are entitled to under these government schemes. Here is your comprehensive 2026 guide to patent funding, eligibility, and how to get your money back.
Funding OpportunitiesIf your business is incorporated in Kerala, you have access to one of the most generous state-level IP support systems in the country. The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) Patent Support Scheme actively funds innovation to help local startups compete globally.
1. The KSUM Patent Support Scheme
This scheme is designed to alleviate the financial burden of the entire patent lifecycle—from initial filing to the final grant.
Financial Assistance Limit
- Indian Patents: Up to ₹2 Lakh per awarded patent.
- International Patents: Up to ₹10 Lakh on a single subject matter.
What Charges Are Covered?
The KSUM scheme covers both government filing charges and the authorized consultant/IP attorney fees. This means the professional fees you pay to BookMyTM are reimbursable. (Note: Yearly renewal charges and appellate actions are typically excluded).
Who is Eligible?
- Tech startups registered with DPIIT & incorporated in Kerala.
- Operational & less than 10 years old.
- Student innovators pursuing academics through their IEDC.
2. The MSME Innovative Scheme
Even if you are not a DPIIT-recognized tech startup, your business can still claim heavy patent subsidies if you hold an MSME Udyam Registration.
2026 Reimbursement Limits
- Domestic (Indian) Patent: Up to ₹1 Lakh.
- Foreign Patent: Up to ₹5 Lakh.
Other IP Covered
This scheme is incredibly comprehensive. It also covers:
- Trademark Registrations (up to ₹10,000)
- Design Registrations (up to ₹15,000)
- Geographical Indications (up to ₹2 Lakh)
The MSME scheme provides up to 100% reimbursement of actual costs incurred, including the government fees and the facilitation/drafting fees charged by your IP consultant.
3. Facilitating Start-Ups IP Protection (SIPP)
Initiated by DPIIT, the SIPP scheme takes a different approach: it directly reduces your upfront costs rather than asking you to wait months for a reimbursement.
80% Statutory Fee Rebate
DPIIT-recognized startups receive an automatic 80% rebate on official patent filing fees.
Zero Professional Fees (via Facilitators)
Under this specific route, the professional fees of government-appointed facilitators are paid directly by the government. The startup only pays the drastically reduced statutory fees.
Protecting your groundbreaking ideas shouldn't be a financial gamble. The funds are waiting for you in 2026—you just need the right legal partner to unlock them. Don't let your IP remain vulnerable.
