MSME Ministry forges a partnership with Denmark’s Patent Office

The MSME Ministry is collaborating with the Danish Patent Office under the MSME-SCIP programme to support technology transfer and IPR acquisition for MSMEs. The initiative includes workshops, expert guidance, and a 70% cost subsidy on IPR costs, targeting 2,500 registrations by FY26. The ministry also aims at similar tie-ups with the UK and US.

The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has joined hands with the Patent Office of Denmark under the Support for Commercialisation of IP (MSME-SCIP) programme to help MSMEs acquire intellectual property rights (IPRs), including technology. Through its Intellectual Property Facilitation Centres (IPFCs), the ministry will work closely with the Danish Patent Office to support the transfer of technology and the acquisition of patents and trademarks by MSMEs. This partnership aims to simplify the IPR process and promote licensing among small businesses.

According to an official aware of the development, “Many innovators are unwilling to share their technology with the Indian players because of IPR protection issues. This partnership will lend a structure to IPR transfer to MSMEs, ensuring innovators get the royalty fee and MSMEs get the technology.” 

To strengthen the capabilities of IPFCs, both the ministry and the Danish Patent Office will conduct joint workshops focused on the IPR application and registration process. Additionally, Danish IPR experts will design a dedicated curriculum to guide IPFCs in assisting MSMEs with patents, trademarks, and other IPR services.

This initiative is expected to energize the innovation ecosystem by encouraging collaboration among MSMEs, industry experts, and academic institutions, with a strong focus on protecting and commercialising intellectual property.

As part of the programme, the ministry will subsidize 70% of the costs related to IPR registration and acquisition. The goal is to register 2,500 innovations in the 2025–26 financial year. The ministry also plans to establish similar partnerships with the patent offices of the United Kingdom and the United States.