Filing a patent in India has two costs: official fees paid to the Patent Office and professional fees for searching and drafting. Individuals, DPIIT-recognised startups, small entities (MSMEs) and educational institutions pay about one-fifth of the standard official fees. The largest official costs are filing, the request for examination and, if you need speed, expedited examination.
Official fees at a glance
Main e-filing fees under the Patents Rules (First Schedule). Check the current schedule on ipindia.gov.in before filing, as fees are revised from time to time.
| Step | Form | Individual, startup, small entity or educational institution | Others |
|---|---|---|---|
| Filing an application (up to 30 pages and 10 claims) | Form 1 | ₹1,600 | ₹8,000 |
| Request for examination | Form 18 | ₹4,000 | ₹20,000 |
| Expedited examination | Form 18A | ₹8,000 | ₹60,000 |
Extra fees apply for each page beyond 30 and each claim beyond 10, for early publication, and later for annual renewal fees once the patent is granted.
Who qualifies for the lower fees
- Individuals (natural persons) filing in their own name.
- Startups recognised by DPIIT, with proof of recognition.
- Small entities as defined for MSMEs, with supporting documents.
- Educational institutions recognised under the rules.
If an individual later assigns the application to a larger company, the difference in fees becomes payable.
Professional fees
Professional fees cover the patentability search, drafting of the provisional and complete specifications, filing, and replies to the examination report. They depend on the technical complexity, the number of claims and how much prosecution is needed. Ask for a written quote that separates official and professional fees.
Ways to keep costs down
- Do a patentability search first, so you do not pay to file an invention that is already known.
- Start with a provisional application to secure your date, then file the complete specification within 12 months.
- Keep claims focused; excess claims add fees.
- Check whether your startup or institution can use government IP support schemes.
General information only, not legal advice. Filing and representation before the Patent Office are done by a registered patent agent.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file a patent in India?
Official fees for an individual, startup, small entity or educational institution start at ₹1,600 for e-filing and ₹4,000 for the request for examination. Professional fees for search and drafting are added to this and depend on the invention.
Do MSMEs get a discount on patent fees?
Yes. Small entities pay the lower fee scale, roughly one-fifth of the standard official fees, with supporting documents.
How can I get my patent examined faster?
Startups, small entities, women applicants and some other categories can request expedited examination using Form 18A.
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