On 3 February 2025, a new edition of the “SME Fund” programme was launched, organized by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

The Fund provides financial support in the form of intellectual property vouchers for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) established within the territory of the European Union.

Who is eligible?

The SME Fund offers financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises based in the European Union. Eligible entities are those employing fewer than 250 persons, with an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50,000,000 or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43,000,000.

How to obtain funding?

Grants are awarded in the form of vouchers, which may be used by beneficiaries to apply for reimbursement of eligible expenses. Reimbursements are made directly to the SME’s bank account.

The programme provides four distinct vouchers, which may be used to apply for reimbursement of costs associated with intellectual property-related activities:

• IP Scan services,

• Trade mark and design applications,

• Patent applications,

• Applications for the protection of new plant varieties.

Voucher 1 – IP Scan

Reimbursement of up to 90% of the cost of IP pre-diagnostic services, capped at EUR 630.
Voucher 1 enables businesses to receive expert support in assessing their intellectual property assets and developing protection strategies.

Voucher 2 – Trade Mark and Design Applications

Reimbursement of up to EUR 700 for applications filed through the following procedures:

• National procedures in EU Member States (e.g., filings with the Polish Patent Office or equivalent national offices) – 75% of the official fees,

• EU or regional procedures (applications filed with the EUIPO or in regional systems within the EU) – 75% of the official fees,

• International procedures (applications filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization – WIPO) – 50% of the official fees.

Voucher 3 – Patent Applications
(Suspended as of 10 February 2025 due to exhaustion of funds)

Reimbursement of up to EUR 3,500 for patent applications filed under national or European procedures.

Voucher 4 – Applications for New Plant Varieties
(Suspended as of 10 February 2025 due to exhaustion of funds)

Reimbursement of up to EUR 1,500 for applications submitted to the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO).

We offer comprehensive support in obtaining funding under this programme.
We will guide your business through the entire process — from submitting the application for financial support to filing trade mark or design applications and obtaining reimbursement.

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