From 22 January, applications can be submitted for funding under the next edition of the SME Fund 2024 scheme which will enable Polish and Ukrainian businesses to obtain reimbursement of official fees such as those for registering trademarks and designs.
The SME Fund is a project supported by the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) that provides tangible support to small and medium-sized enterprises in the protection of intellectual property. Importantly, it makes it possible to subsidise much of the cost of filing an application, which is often the main obstacle to securing intellectual property protection.
Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis until 6 December 2024. However, there is no time to lose. The funds are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Up to EUR 1,000 in funding
The scheme provides vouchers to cover part of the official fees for selected activities.
Any small and medium-sized enterprise wishing to file a trade mark and/or design application can be reimbursed up to EUR 1,000 for:
- Fees charged by intellectual property offices (including the Polish Patent Office – UPRP and the European Union Intellectual Property Office – EUIPO) such as trademark and/or design application fees, additional class fees and examination, registration, publication and deferment of publication fees at EU and national levels (reimbursement of up to 75%)
- Fees charged by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) such as trade mark and/or design basic application fees, designation fees, and subsequent designation fees outside the EU (with restrictions) (reimbursement of up to 50%)
For example, if a company wants to register a mark in 4 classes at the Polish Patent Office, the total official fee will be PLN 2,500 and the amount of the grant will be PLN 1,875.
In the case of an EU trademark application to the EUIPO for the same number of classes, the company will pay EUR 300 and save as much as EUR 900 (the total fee is EUR 1200).
Who can benefit from the SME Fund 2024
The SME Fund 2024 is intended for small and medium-sized enterprises based in the European Union. In the case of Polish companies, these include:
- Sole traders
- Commercial law companies and partnerships such as general partnerships, professional partnerships, limited partnerships, limited joint-stock partnerships, limited liability companies, joint-stock companies and simple joint-stock companies
They all must qualify as small or medium-sized enterprises, i.e. have fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of up to EUR 50 million or a balance sheet total of up to EUR 43 million.
The procedure for obtaining and redeeming the grant is transparent and the application must be accompanied by:
- The company’s bank statement
- VAT certificate or NIP (tax ID number) certificate
- Declaration of honour – if the application is filed by a representative
The SME Fund 2024 is also open to SMEs that are established in Ukraine and have a TIN.
Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and funding cannot be requested for services that have previously received national or EU support.
When to apply
Applications will be accepted until 6 December 2024. Grants will be available throughout the year until all funds have been exhausted.
Importantly, the 2024 SME Fund is the final initiative of this edition. This means that it is likely to be the last opportunity to receive grants on such preferential terms.
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