The Government of India has appointed IP facilitators to assist startups in relates to IPR. Facilitators are empanelled by the Controller of Patent, Trademark and Design (CGPTDM) and permitted by the Government to assist start-ups in protecting their intellectual property.
The IP facilitator shall be a,
- Patent agent registered with the CGPTDM.
- Trademark agent registered with the CGPTDM.
- Any advocate as defined under the Advocate’s Act, 1961.
- Government Departments/organizations and agencies like TIFAC, NRDC, BIRAC etc.
An IP facilitator is entrusted with several responsibilities including:
- Providing general advisory on different Intellectual property services such as Patent, Trademark, and Industrial design on Pro bono basis.
- Providing assistance in filing and disposal of the IP applications related to Patent, Trademark and Design registrations.
- Drafting provisional and complete specifications for Inventions of Start-Ups.
- Preparing and filing responses to queries such as notices, letters and Examination reports from Intellectual Property offices.
- Appearing on behalf of start-up on hearings.
- Ensuring final disposal of the IPR application.