The Ideas Powered for business SME Fund is a grant scheme designed to help EU small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) protect their intellectual property (IP) rights. The SME Fund is a European Commission initiative implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and will run from 23 January 2023 to 8 December 2023.
Funds are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
Why protecting your intellectual property is necessary
Protecting your IP is a must in the digital age. It is a legal way to avoid having your unique ideas, products, or services copied or used without permission. IP protection through the SME Fund can cover many different assets, including trade marks, designs, patents and plant varieties.
Who can benefit from the SME Fund
The SME Fund offers financial support to SMEs established in the European Union. The application can be submitted by an owner, an employee or an authorised external representative acting on their behalf. Grants are awarded to the SME and the reimbursement is always transferred directly to the SME bank account.
On 31 January, a webinar will be organised to demonstrate the new services related to IP Scan, trademarks and designs and the application process. The event will provide a practical guide on how to apply for the different services. In March a second webinar will be also held to demonstrate the services related to patents and plant varieties.
Find more information here.
