Scheme for Patent Filing under Virtual Innovation Register (VIR)

The Goa State Innovation Council (GSInC) runs a scheme to support the filing of provisional patent applications. This support is available to innovators and students who are registered under the Virtual Innovation Register (VIR). The programme is intended to increase awareness and uptake of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) among these groups, enabling them to protect and commercialise their work through professional IP services.

GSInC maintains a panel of empaneled Patent Attorneys/Agents who manage the filing of these applications. The fee, which is capped at INR 10,000, is remitted directly by GSInC to the appointed patent agent or firm. As a result, the applicant bears no upfront costs and receives 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 single, comprehensive reference point for all IPR matters connected to intellectual property developed during academic study. 3. Protect the interests of IP creators and ensure a fair allocation of returns arising from commercialisation. 4. Provide legal assistance to defend IPR against infringement or unauthorised use. 5. Foster conditions that support the acquisition of 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 at quarterly meetings, held once every three months, to review and approve projects for provisional patent filing. Applicants receive email notification of the outcome within 30 working days following the committee’s meeting. The committee’s decisions are final and binding.