The SME Fund, an initiative by the European Commission and implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), is now in full swing, offering substantial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the European Union. Running from 23 January 2023 to 8 December 2023, this fund aims to empower SMEs by providing vouchers for intellectual property protection.
This year’s edition of the SME Fund presents four distinct vouchers tailored to address various intellectual property needs. The vouchers are as follows:
Voucher 1 – IP Scan: Receive expert advice worth up to EUR 1,350 to enhance your IP strategy.
Voucher 2 – Trade Marks and Designs: Save EUR 1,000 for eligible fees related to trade marks and designs.
Voucher 3 – Patents: Save EUR 1,500 for eligible fees associated with patent protection.
Voucher 4 – Community Plant Variety: Obtain EUR 225 to offset the online application fee for community plant variety protection.
Significantly, the SME Fund now extends its support to SMEs seeking protection with the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO). This inclusion aims to stimulate innovation, development, and investment within the breeding sector, aligning with the recent EUIPO-CPVO study on the CPVR system’s impact on the EU economy and the environment. By working together, we can foster the growth and success of SMEs in this field.
For detailed information on the SME Fund, including application details and eligibility criteria, please refer to the Call for Proposals, available in multiple languages. If you or potential beneficiaries have any queries, you can find answers in the EUIPO SME Fund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Visitors to the EUIPO’s webpage can easily select their preferred language from the drop-down menu located at the top left corner, ensuring accessibility for all.
As the SME Fund operates on a first-come, first-served basis, interested SMEs are urged to seize this opportunity promptly.
