The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) is making available for another year, at the initiative of the European Commission, the “Ideas Powered for business” SME Fund for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A grant programme designed to help them protect their industrial property rights, in particular their trademarks and industrial designs.
The total budget available is estimated at EUR 25 million. The deadline to apply for these grants is 23 January to 8 December 2023. Funds will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until exhausted.
Trademark and design protection (VOUCHER 2)
SMEs activating this voucher will be eligible for up to EUR 1,000 of subsidies, which is the maximum limit per beneficiary. For those registrations that are limited to the European Union (either national or regional), SMEs may apply for a reimbursement of 75% of the official fees corresponding to the registration of trademarks and designs. For protection outside the EU, the reimbursement will be up to 50% of the fees.
How does it work?
In order to use the voucher, it will be essential to follow the sequential order indicated, as the effects of the vouchers are not retroactive. This means that fees relating to applications submitted before receiving the voucher cannot be refunded. Thus, before any trademark or industrial design application is filed with the Office concerned, the grant must be processed. Only when the grant has been notified can the application for registration be filed. Once the trademark or design has been applied for, the beneficiary may proceed to request the reimbursement of the subsidised amount.
At PONTI & PARTNERS we offer our services to facilitate this task to interested SMEs, processing this aid on their behalf. Follow us on our social media profiles and we will inform you about the real-time status of the bonds in question, as well as other useful financing instruments for companies.
If you need further information, please contact us.
