Launching of the SME Fund

Today sees the launch of an EUR 20 million grant fund (Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund), which provides IP vouchers to help small and medium-sized enterprises based in the European Union to access and benefit from their intellectual property (IP) rights.

Open to all enterprises in the EU that fit the official definition of a SME, the new scheme offers financial support in the form of reimbursements for trade mark and design application, up to a maximum amount of EUR 1 500 per business.

It opens for applications on 11 January 2021 in the first of five application windows that will run throughout 2021.

The new scheme is run through the Ideas Powered for Business programme at the EUIPO, and forms part of the European Commission’s IP Action Plan. It is carried out in cooperation with the national and regional intellectual property offices of the EU.

The requirements, timing and other information relevant to the scheme can already be consulted through the Ideas Powered for Business hub.