An EU grant scheme to help SMEs maximise their IP assets.
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are once again eligible to access grants for the protection of their intellectual property rights. At the beginning of March, another ”application window” opened for the grant scheme supported by the European Commission and the EUIPO.
What is The Ideas Powered for Business SME FUND scheme?
Each small or medium-sized enterprise can be reimbursed up to a maximum of EUR 1,500 for:
- IP pre-diagnostic services (IP Scan) (reimbursement of up to 75% of costs);
- Trade mark and design application fees (reimbursement of up to 50% of costs).
Who is eligible for the grant?
The grant is intended for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in EU Member States. As defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC, SMEs are enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and with an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million and/or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million.
What does the reimbursement for trade mark and design application cover?
The reimbursement covers fees for applications filed with national offices and with the EUIPO.
How will the grants be awarded?
Grants will be awarded on a first come, first served basis. A single application may be filed for one or both services. Submission of an application for one of the services does not prevent the submission of another application for the other service in a subsequent period – provided that the total funding awarded would not exceed EUR 1,500. No funding may be applied for in respect of services for which national or EU support has already been obtained.
The Polish Patent Office is assisting in applications regarding grants for trademark and design applications but is not yet participating in the scheme providing the IP Scan service.
When should applications be filed?
There are four “application windows” left:
- 1 – 31 March 2021
- 1 – 31 May 2021
- 1 – 31 July 2021
- 1 – 30 September 2021.
Why is it worth it?
The scheme is an excellent opportunity to secure your intellectual property rights at national or EU level.
We will be happy to answer your questions concerning:
- the application process,
- regulations,
- timetable,
- other issues related to the scheme and protection of your IP rights.
