Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: Subsidy for Patent Registration (PRS)

The Subsidy for Patent Registration (PRS) operates as a sub-scheme within the wider Banglashree for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises initiative, which is administered by the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Textiles, Government of West Bengal. It has been in effect from April 1, 2020, and will remain operational until March 31, 2025. The scheme is intended to lessen the financial load of securing intellectual property rights for the MSME sector.

The parent Banglashree for MSME programme provides fiscal incentives to motivate entrepreneurs to establish and expand micro, small, and medium enterprises in West Bengal. Its stated aims are to promote even growth across the MSME sector, build a durable and sustainable framework that optimises resource use, generate fresh employment, and widen business reach to establish West Bengal as a frontrunner in the national MSME arena.

The PRS scheme offers direct monetary support to qualifying micro and small enterprises by covering a large share of the expenses tied to obtaining patent registration. This support is meant to foster innovation, allowing firms to safeguard their distinct technologies and products, while also promoting research and development and improving their market position. By easing these upfront costs, the government seeks to reduce hurdles for MSMEs that wish to formalise and protect their intellectual assets, thereby strengthening the state's innovative and self-sufficient industrial base.

1. **New Registration.** Go to the Shilpasathi Portal (silpasathi.wb.gov.in), select 'Apply Online', and then 'Create New'. Choose your Applicant Type (Industry/Business/Commercial/Charitable Society/Govt. entity) and provide the Registration Number. Complete every required field on the 'User Registration' page and select 'Register'. 2. **Login and Service Selection.** Access the portal with your username and password, or through OTP. From the user dashboard, open 'ALL SERVICES' and choose 'MSME Incentive'. 3. **Create and Fill Common Application Form (CAF).** Select 'Create CAF', followed by 'Apply Online'. Complete the 'eligibility form', then 'Save and Continue' to reach the Common Application Form (CAF). Fill in all mandatory sections of the CAF and use 'Update and Continue' to view the preview. 4. **Application Submission (Form-A).** After the CAF is submitted, the Dashboard displays the status. Choose 'Click to Proceed' to move ahead with the application, then 'Save'. Review the form prior to final submission. Select 'Go to Application' to complete the 'Online Form - A'. 5. **Apply Subsidy Details.** In the 'APPLY SUBSIDY' section, pick the subsidy items for each year. When finished, click 'SAVE'. 6. **Fill Up Subsidy Details.** Under the 'FILL UP SUBSIDY' tab, enter the year-wise subsidy details for the incentive. Use 'Add More' for multiple-year or year-wise breakups. 7. **Upload Documents and Final Submission.** Attach all relevant documents. Review every detail, then click 'VERIFY & SUBMIT', tick the declaration box, and press 'Submit Application'. 8. **Receive Reference Number.** Once the Form-A application is finally submitted, a reference number is issued for tracking the application status. 9. **Submission Deadline Note:** The first application must be filed within 12 months from your Date of Commencement of Commercial Production (DOCCP) or within 12 months from the date of notification of Banglashree, whichever is later.