The “Ideas Powered for business” SME Fund is a grant program designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EU in the field of intellectual property (IP) rights. The SME Fund is an initiative of the European Commission implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and will run from January 10, 2022 to December 16, 2022.
The SME Fund is a reimbursement program that issues bonds that can be used to partially cover the fees for selected activities. Two types of bonds are available depending on the activity concerned:
- €1,500 voucher to be used for IP Scan service, trademark and design fees.
- €750 voucher to be used for patent fees.
Activities for which you can file an application
IP Scan Service – BONUS 1
It is a service of analysis of the business model, products or services and growth plans by an IP expert appointed by the national IP office, as well as the evaluation and proposal of the most appropriate strategy for your company.
The BONUS guarantees the reimbursement of 90% of the cost of the IP pre-diagnosis services.
Trademarks and Designs – VOUCHER 1
You can request a reimbursement of 75% of the fees for trademark and design applications, additional class fees and fees for examination, registration, publication and deferment of publication at EU level.
You can request a 75% refund of the application fees for trade mark and design applications, additional class fees and examination, registration, publication and deferment of publication fees at national and regional level.
You can request a 50% reimbursement of the basic trademark and design application fees, designation fees and subsequent designation fees outside the EU.
Patents – BONUS 2
You can request a 50% reimbursement on patent pre-grant application fees, related to filing, search and examination, as well as grant and publication at national level.
If you are planning to start a trademark, design or patent registration process, do not hesitate to contact us through our mail [email protected] to guide you and help you in the grant application process.
