Under the scheme, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and technology start-ups can apply for reimbursement, up to a limit of Rs 15 lakh, for the costs incurred in filing international patent applications. This scheme applies for their indigenous inventions in the electronics and information, communication and technology (ICT) domain.

The grant will be disbursed to applicants on a reimbursement basis and will be limited to 50 per cent of the total expenses in actual cost incurred by the applicant on filing international patent.

Under the new scheme, patent processing costs including attorneys' fees, patent office filing fees, examination fees, patent search cost, additional cost for entering national phase upto grant/issue, will be covered to an extent of Rs 15 lakh or 50 per cent of the total expenses incurred on filing each invention, whichever is less. Subsequently after the grant, the cost will be borne by the industry.

"There has been a long-standing demand for such a scheme and various industry associations have been lobbying with us for the same," said an official of the department of information and technology.

The scheme, which was introduced on 4 November, will be valid for a period of five years. Beyond the allotted time-frame, the scheme will be reviewed for extension, said the official.

To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the company is required to be a registered Indian micro, small or medium enterprise engaged in manufacture or production of goods, where the investment in plant and machinery does not exceed Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million).

Meanwhile, for enterprises involved in providing or rendering of services, the scheme will be restricted to enterprises where the investment in plant and machinery does not exceed Rs 5 crore (Rs 50 million).

Companies with an in-house R&D certification by Department for Scientific & Industrial Research( DSIR) or Technology Incubation enterprises registered as companies with support under some government scheme, are also entitled to avail the benefits.

"The scheme is at a very initial stage, so, it is difficult to judge the success of the programme. We have received a few applications till date, which will take about a month to process. We are optimistic about the response we will receive in the future," the official said.

"The scheme is being extensively promoted by industry bodies," he said adding, "The ministry will start advertising for this scheme soon."

A committee comprising government officials and members of the industry has been set up to monitor the process approval of the applicants.