*Includes government fees + professional services for DPIIT-recognized startups. Ensure your invention meets patentability requirements before filing.
Official Government Fees (2025)
The Indian Patent Office categorizes applicants into three types with different fee structures. Startups recognized by DPIIT enjoy 80% fee reduction. To understand the complete process, read our guide on how to file a patent in India.
| Fee Type | Natural Person/Startup | Small Entity | Large Entity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing (Provisional) | ₹1,600 | ₹4,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Filing (Complete) | ₹1,600 | ₹4,000 | ₹8,000 |
| Request for Examination (RFE) | ₹4,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹20,000 |
| Early Publication (Form 9) | ₹2,500 | ₹6,250 | ₹12,500 |
| Expedited Examination (Form 18A) | ₹8,000 | ₹20,000 | ₹60,000 |
| Patent Grant Fees | ₹2,400 | ₹6,000 | ₹12,000 |
| Total (Complete + RFE + Grant) | ₹8,000 | ₹20,000 | ₹40,000 |
*Startup Benefit: DPIIT-recognized startups save ₹32,000 in government fees (80% discount) compared to large entities!
Professional Service Costs
Patent attorney fees constitute the major cost component. Professional services include patentability search, drafting, filing, and prosecution (responding to examination reports). For comprehensive support, explore our patent filing services in India.
Depends on technical complexity and depth of search required
Complexity determined by number of claims, drawings, technical domain, and innovation level
Depends on number of objections, amendments required, and arguments complexity
Per hearing session, includes preparation and representation
Total Professional Service Cost (Typical Startup):
Search (₹10,000) + Drafting (₹50,000) + Filing Support (₹5,000) + FER Response (₹25,000) = ₹90,000
Add government fees of ₹8,000 for total cost of approximately ₹98,000 for a typical startup patent
Cost-Saving Benefits for DPIIT Startups
Startups recognized by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade) under the Startup India initiative can significantly reduce patent costs through the SIPP (Startups Intellectual Property Protection) scheme. Learn more in our complete startup patent filing guide.
Government filing, examination, and grant fees reduced by 80%
Access to panel of facilitators and patent attorneys at subsidized rates
Fast-track examination within 6-12 months vs 2-3 years regular timeline
Free initial consultation and guidance from government-empaneled facilitators
How to Avail SIPP Benefits?
- Register on Startup India portal (startupindia.gov.in)
- Get DPIIT recognition certificate (usually within 2-3 weeks)
- Apply for patent with startup category declaration
- Submit DPIIT certificate with patent application
- Automatically receive 80% fee reduction
Additional Costs to Consider
Patent maintenance requires annual renewal fees starting from the 3rd year:
- • Years 3-6: ₹800/year (Startup)
- • Years 7-10: ₹2,400/year (Startup)
- • Years 11-15: ₹4,800/year (Startup)
- • Years 16-20: ₹8,000/year (Startup)
Total renewal cost over 20 years: Approximately ₹60,000 for startups
If you plan to protect your invention in multiple countries:
PCT allows you to defer national filings while maintaining priority date
If filing in non-English speaking countries, translation costs: ₹20,000 - ₹80,000 per language depending on specification length
If you need to enforce your patent against infringers:
- • Cease & desist notice: ₹15,000 - ₹50,000
- • Patent infringement litigation: ₹5,00,000 - ₹50,00,000+
Real-World Cost Example: Tech Startup
Same patent for large entity would cost ₹1,85,500 (₹60,000 more in government fees)
10 Cost-Saving Strategies for Startups
Get DPIIT Recognition
Save 80% on government fees - most important step!
File Provisional First
Lower initial cost, buy 12 months time to refine invention
Choose Right Complexity
Don't over-complicate claims unnecessarily
Thorough Prior Art Search
Avoid filing unpatentable inventions, saves later costs
Bundle Multiple Inventions
File related inventions together to share costs
Use In-House Technical Writing
Provide detailed technical description to reduce attorney drafting time
Respond Promptly to FER
Avoid late fees and additional office actions
Opt for Expedited Exam
Faster resolution reduces opportunity cost
DIY Renewals
File renewal fees yourself online, save agent charges
Compare Attorney Quotes
Get 3-4 quotes, but prioritize experience over lowest price
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. With DPIIT recognition, startups can file patents for as low as ₹35,000-₹80,000 total cost. The 80% government fee rebate and subsidized professional services make it affordable. ROI from patent protection far outweighs the investment.
Always hire a qualified patent attorney. DIY patents often get rejected or provide weak protection due to poor claim drafting. Professional fees are a worthy investment - a strong patent can be worth millions, while a weak patent is worthless.
Yes! SIPP scheme provides up to ₹10,000 reimbursement per patent for professional fees. Additionally, some state governments and incubators offer IP grants. Startup accelerators often cover patent costs for portfolio companies.
Patent lapses and enters public domain. You have 6-month grace period with late fees. If still unpaid, patent is permanently abandoned and anyone can use your invention. Plan renewal costs in advance.
PCT filing: ₹1.5-3 lakhs. National phase entry per country: ₹1-2.5 lakhs. For 5 countries, expect ₹8-15 lakhs total. Start with Indian patent, file PCT within 12 months if you have international market potential.
Get Accurate Cost Estimate for Your Patent
Contact our patent attorneys in Bellandur, Bangalore for a free consultation and customized cost estimate based on your invention.
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