Why should SMEs apply for this support?
The protection of intangible assets (inventions, commercial signs, or design) through industrial property rights is essential for the competitiveness, innovation, and economic growth of the Portuguese business fabric.
The main goal of this European Commission measure - implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) - is to allow a faster recovery of the EU economy and improve SMEs’ resilience.
This financial support enables SMEs to recognise Industrial Property as an investment, instead of a cost. It allows companies to generate revenue from these assets and to protect themselves from future infringements of their patents, trademarks, or designs.
Period for applications:
Between 23/01/2023 and 08/12/2023
How does this support work?
This is a grant scheme that enables SMEs to have a partial reimbursement of the expenses incurred with applicationswith applications for Industrial Property (IP) pre-diagnostic service (IP Scan), trade marks and design and Plant varieties. In practice, once the application is accepted, the applicant will be issued vouchers that can be later activated and have a partial refund of the fees related to the selected modalities.
VOUCHER 1: IP Scan - IP pre-diagnostic audit (IP Scan)
Reimbursement of 90% of the expenses incurred with this service, up to a maximum amount of 810 euros, in Portugal (in other EU Member States the reimbursement can be up to 1.350 euros).
VOUCHER 2: Trade mark and design protection in the EU (national, regional and EU levels) and outside the EU
Reimbursement of 75% (for national, regional, and EU trade mark and design applications) or 50% (for international trade mark and design applications through WIPO) of the fee amount, up to the maximum of 1.000 euros.
VOUCHER 3: National and European Patents
Reimbursement of 75% of the fees, up to a maximum amount of 1.500 euros.
VOUCHER 4: Plant varieties (EU)
Reimbursement of 50% of the of the fee, up to a maximum amount of 225 euros.
Application process

Source: EUIPO