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Section 80RRB patent royalty deduction explained

Inventors and patent-holders have a dedicated tax deduction on the royalty their patents earn, much as authors do for books. Here's how Section 80RRB works.

Reviewed by CA Harika Chebolu, FCA · Last updated 2026-06-13

Jump to a section
  1. 1. A deduction on patent royalty income
  2. 2. Who can claim it
  3. 3. The Rs 3,00,000 cap
  4. 4. Conditions and certificate
  5. 5. It mirrors the author deduction (80QQB)
  6. Common questions

Quick answer

80RRB lets resident patent-holders deduct royalty income up to Rs 3,00,000. Here's how it works, alongside the author royalty deduction.

1. A deduction on patent royalty income

Section 80RRB allows a resident individual who holds a patent to deduct royalty income from that patent, up to Rs 3,00,000 a year, in the old regime. So a meaningful chunk of your patent royalty can be sheltered from tax.

2. Who can claim it

The deduction is for resident individuals who are the patentees (true and first inventors named in the patent) of a patent registered under the Patents Act. You need the patent in your name and the royalty must arise from it — it's specific to genuine patent-holders.

3. The Rs 3,00,000 cap

The deduction is capped at Rs 3,00,000, or the actual royalty if lower. Royalty beyond that cap is taxed normally. For inventors with significant royalty income, the Rs 3,00,000 shelter is a useful, profession-specific benefit.

4. Conditions and certificate

The deduction comes with conditions, including a required certificate (and, for royalty from abroad, rules on bringing the income into India within the prescribed time). Keep the documentation so the claim holds up.

5. It mirrors the author deduction (80QQB)

Section 80RRB for patents parallels Section 80QQB for authors' book royalties — both give up to Rs 3,00,000 in the old regime to reward creators. If you earn from both, each has its own deduction within its rules.

Common questions

1What is the Section 80RRB deduction?

A deduction for resident patent-holders on royalty income from their patent, up to Rs 3,00,000 a year , in the old regime. Royalty beyond the cap is taxed normally.

2Who can claim 80RRB?

A resident individual who is the patentee of a patent registered under the Patents Act , where the royalty arises from that patent. It's specific to genuine patent-holders, with a required certificate.

3How does 80RRB compare to the author deduction?

It mirrors Section 80QQB for authors — both give up to Rs 3,00,000 in the old regime , one for patent royalty and one for book royalty, each within its own conditions.

Earning patent royalties? Write to the firm and we'll claim your 80RRB deduction correctly.