Hello, entrepreneurs! Did you know that the EUIPO has launched a new call for the SME Fund for 2025? A golden opportunity for SMEs that want to protect their IP assets!
One of the remarkable features of the SME Fund is its focus on providing financial assistance to SMEs, enabling them to access IP services at a reduced cost. Additionally, the program focuses on fostering innovation and business growth in Europe through IP protection and promoting fair competition in the market.
This program, which is part of the Ideas Powered for Business initiative, offers grants to cover the costs of intellectual property protection. Lower costs, more peace of mind for your business!
And what does it cover exactly? A lot of things!
Trademarks and designs:
- In the EU: You can receive a refund of up to 75% of the fees for trademarks, designs, and models in the EU (including application fees, class fees, examination, registration, publication, and postponement of publication) with a bonus of up to €700 per beneficiary.
- Outside the EU: Yes, also! If managed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), you can receive a 50% refund on application and designation fees for trademarks, designs, or models outside the EU. This includes designation fees originating from EU countries and EUIPO, although handling fees charged by the office of origin are excluded.
Patents:
- National: Refund of 75% of the fees (up to €1,000 per beneficiary) for patents filed with the IP offices of member states. National patent applications filed as the first application or with priority claim are eligible. Applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) are excluded.
- European: There is also support! Refund of 75% of the filing and search fees (up to €1,000) for European patent applications filed as the first application or with priority claim, including those filed under the PCT. Even 50% of the legal costs for drafting and filing, up to a maximum of €1,500 per beneficiary, as long as the service is provided by a professional authorized to act before the EPO. Note: Vouchers for national and European patents cannot be requested in the same application, but they can be requested in separate applications.
Plant Varieties:
- If you have a unique plant variety, there’s also a 75% refund of the fees for the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO), up to a maximum of €1,500 per beneficiary!
Who can benefit? SMEs from the 27 EU member states or Ukraine, with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than €50 million! Even freelancers and foundations can apply!
How does it work? It’s very simple!
- Apply for the voucher before December 5, 2025. Applications will be evaluated weekly, and results will be notified within 10 working days from the Friday of the week in which the application is made.
- Activate it within one month (extendable by another month) and apply it to a procedure within six months.
And if you need help with the application, activation, or use of the voucher, at Marqués & Ferrer, we will be happy to guide you through the process! Don’t miss this opportunity! Shall we begin?