Scheme for Patent Filing under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR)

The Goa State Innovation Council (GSInC) runs a scheme that supports the filing of provisional patent applications for innovators and students enrolled in the Virtual Innovation Register (VIR). The programme is intended to increase familiarity with and use of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) among these groups, enabling them to protect and profit from their work through professional IP assistance.

GSInC maintains a panel of empaneled Patent Attorneys/Agents who manage the filing of provisional patent applications. The fee, capped at INR 10,000, is remitted directly by GSInC to the appointed patent agent or firm. Applicants therefore face no upfront charges and receive no direct cash payment. This facilitation/subsidy scheme covers the attorney's fee on behalf of eligible applicants.

**Objectives:** 1. Encourage academic freedom and protect the creation of intellectual property. 2. Offer a unified single window reference system for all IPR matters connected to intellectual property developed during academic work. 3. Protect the interests of IP creators and ensure equitable sharing of returns from commercialisation. 4. Provide legal assistance to defend IPR against infringement or unauthorised use. 5. Foster an environment conducive to generating new knowledge through innovation and research.

- **Step 1: Register on the VIR Portal.** Begin by submitting an application via the Virtual Innovation Register (VIR) portal, accessible at http://goastateinnovationcouncil.com/virtual-innovation-register. Registration on VIR is a compulsory precondition for availing of any benefits. - **Step 2: Application Review.** The GSInC Selection Committee will then assess your submitted application. - **Step 3: Provisional Patent Filing.** Upon approval, a patent attorney from the empanelled list will proceed to file your provisional patent application. The filing fee will be remitted directly by GSInC to the attorney.

The GSInC Selection Committee assesses applications during quarterly meetings, held once every three months, to evaluate projects and approve them for provisional patent filing. Applicants receive the committee's decision by email within 30 working days of the meeting date. The committee's decisions are final and binding.