Two free perks:Protect your name, then sell with it.
Recognised startups can get help filing IP and a route to sell to government buyers. Here is what the official playbook says about both.
By Madhur Tyagi
· 8 min read · Facts checked 6 Nov 2026
Quick answer
What free perks do recognised startups get for IP filing and government sales in India? The June 2026 Startup India Schemes Playbook lists two. The Scheme for Facilitating Startups Intellectual Property Protection pays the facilitator’s professional fee for patent, trademark and design filings, and startups generally bear just the government fees. GeM Startup Runway helps DPIIT recognised startups registered on the Government e-Marketplace sell to government buyers. Both need DPIIT recognition.
In short, for busy readers and AI answers
- Perk 1?
- SIPP: facilitator fees for IP filings paid by the office of the Controller General.
- Perk 2?
- GeM Startup Runway: sell to government buyers.
- Need?
- DPIIT recognition for both.
- Watch?
- Declare no other scheme pays the same facilitator fees.
- Method?
- The Protect and Sell Loop.
Key takeaways
- SIPP supports patent, trademark and design filings for DPIIT recognised startups.
- The playbook says the facilitator’s professional fee is paid by the office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks.
- Startups generally bear just the statutory government fees.
- You must declare that no other government scheme pays facilitator fees for the same IP application.
- GeM Startup Runway lets recognised startups registered on GeM sell to government buyers.
- Use The Protect and Sell Loop: Name, File, List. This is not legal advice.
Written by Madhur Tyagi, founder of The Human Algorithm. 8+ years, 25+ brands, since 2017.
Scope note: Facts come from the Startup India Schemes Playbook (June 2026), pages 36 and 37, which says it may not be complete. We did not file an application or register on GeM. Not legal advice. Confirm terms on the IP India and GeM pages.
Picture Arjun, who sells a small range of kitchen gadgets from Jaipur. A copycat just started using a very similar name.
He assumes protecting his brand means a big lawyer bill and a long wait.
The official playbook says a recognised startup can use a scheme where the facilitator’s professional fee is paid for you. It also lists a route to sell to government buyers.
Here is what both perks say, how to use them in order and a counter for your filing list.
What the playbook says about both perks
Both are on one page each in the Startup India Schemes Playbook (June 2026), pages 36 and 37.
| Perk | What it does | Who can use it |
|---|---|---|
| SIPP: IP filing help | Support to file and process patent, trademark and design applications. The facilitator’s professional fee is paid by the office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks. Startups generally bear just the statutory government fees | DPIIT recognised startups that declare no other government scheme pays the facilitator fees for the same IP application |
| GeM Startup Runway | A route to sell products and services directly to government buyers on the Government e-Marketplace | DPIIT recognised startups registered as sellers on GeM, in existing categories or startup sectors such as AI, robotics, agritech, cleantech, cybersecurity, edtech and health tech |
Reality check
“Filing a trademark means I pay a lawyer a big fee.”
For a recognised startup using SIPP, the playbook says the facilitator’s professional fee is paid by the office of the Controller General, and the startup generally pays the statutory fees. Check the IP India page for current facilitators and terms.
The Protect and Sell Loop
Do the two perks in this order.
Save this framework
The Protect and Sell Loop: Name, File, List
Name it · file it · list it
Save it, or send it to a founder friend
Send on WhatsApp
Tool: how many filings could get help?
Type your own numbers. One minute.
Tool · How many filings could get help?
How many filings could get help?
Type your own numbers. Nothing leaves your phone.
Our planning tool. Not legal advice.
5 notes for your IP and listing
Free kit: 5 notes to get ready
1 · The name note
Our brand name is [name]. It is used on [site, packs, ads]. Nobody else in our space uses it, as far as we have checked.
2 · The facilitator question
Under the startup IP scheme, which facilitator handles trademarks, and what will we pay beyond government fees?
3 · The declaration note
We have not used any other government scheme to pay facilitator fees for this filing.
4 · The listing line
We sell [product or service] to [type of buyer]. It is different because [what is new].
5 · The proof line
Our recognition number is [number]. We have [orders, pilots or tests] to show.
This is a general guide, not legal advice. Scheme terms change. Check the IP India and GeM pages before you file or list.
Questions founders ask about SIPP and GeM Startup Runway
What is SIPP?
The Scheme for Facilitating Startups Intellectual Property Protection helps DPIIT recognised startups file patent, trademark and design applications through IP facilitators.
Who pays the facilitator?
The playbook says the professional fees are paid or reimbursed by the office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks.
What do startups still pay?
The playbook says startups generally bear just the statutory government fees.
What must I declare?
That you have not used funds from any other government scheme to pay facilitator, patent agent or trademark agent fees for the same IP application.
What is GeM Startup Runway?
A route for DPIIT recognised startups registered on the Government e-Marketplace to sell products and services to government buyers.
Which sectors does GeM mention?
Existing GeM categories and startup sectors such as AI, robotics, agritech, cleantech, cybersecurity, edtech, health tech, water tech and assistive tech.
Do I need DPIIT recognition for both?
Yes. The playbook lists DPIIT recognised startups as eligible for both.
Name it, file it, list it.
About this guide: sources, all checked 6 Nov 2026. Startup India, Playbook of Government Schemes and Initiatives for Startups, June 2026, pages 36 and 37. IP India, SIPP page (named in the playbook, not read in full). The Protect and Sell Loop, tool and notes are ours. Not legal advice. Madhur Tyagi is the founder of The Human Algorithm., a growth and automation practice in New Delhi that helps Indian founders, coaches and creators reply faster, follow up kindly and earn trust in their DMs and WhatsApp. 8+ years, 25+ brands, since 2017.
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