The 2025 edition of the program SME Fund “Ideas Powered for Business” The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) was launched at the beginning of the year with the aim of supporting small and medium-sized businesses, self-employed individuals, and foundations in protecting their intellectual property assets. Since its launch, demand has been particularly strong in the categories of patents y plant varieties, whose funds were quickly depleted in the first months of the year.
On 2 June, these funds were temporarily reactivated, but they ran out again. Currently, they have reopened again, although its availability remains very limited.
In this article, we'll explore who is eligible for these grants, what items are eligible, and the application process so you can make the most of this reopening.
Who can benefit?
The program is aimed at individuals, companies and organizations established in the European Union, such as:
- SMEs: less than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than 50 million euros.
- Self-employed who prove their economic activity by means of an official certificate.
- Foundations that have less than 25% of their capital in the hands of public entities.
This range of beneficiaries allows both established companies and individual entrepreneurs to access financing to protect their innovations.
What concepts are eligible for subsidies?
The grants partially cover the costs associated with registering industrial property rights in the following areas:
1. Brands and designs
- National, regional and European coverage: includes application, class, examination, registration, publication and deferred publication fees at national offices and at the EUIPO.
- international coverage: Basic fees, designation fees and subsequent designation fees are subsidised under the Madrid System (trademarks) and the Hague System (designs).
- maximum amount: up to €700.
- Refund percentage: 75% at national/European level and 50% at international level.
2. Patents
- National coverage: fees for prior art patent searches carried out or coordinated by Member States' IPOs: filing, examination, granting and publication of national patents. 75% refund with a maximum of €1.000.
- European coverage:
- Filing and search fees at the European Patent Office (EPO). 75% refund with a maximum of €1.000
- Drafting and submission of applications by professional representatives to the EPO. 50% refund with a maximum of €1.500.
- maximum amount: up to €2.500.
3. Plant varieties
- Coverage: fees for filing and examination with the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO).
- maximum amount: up to €1.500.
- Refund percentage: 75%.
Important: the aids They do not cover renewals or expenses prior to the granting of the bonus.Only new applications submitted after approval are eligible for funding.
How is the application processed?
The process is divided into several phases:
- Presentation of the application: Different types of aid can be requested simultaneously or separately.
- Evaluation by the EUIPO: The resolution is usually communicated within 15 business days.
- Bonus activationOnce granted, the beneficiary has one month to activate it (extendable). Activation occurs when at least one industrial property activity is carried out and the reimbursement application is submitted.
- Request refundIf the entire voucher is not used in the first application, you have an additional six months to carry out other eligible activities and submit reimbursement applications until the balance is exhausted.
act quickly
The 2025 edition has shown that funds for patents and plant varieties are rapidly depleting. If you're considering protecting your industrial property assets, don't wait until the last minuteThe sooner you apply, the better your chances of receiving assistance.
The call will remain open until December 5, 2025However, applications are processed in the order they are received, and funds are limited.
At Elzaburu we have a technical team made up of European Patent and Trademark Agents, who can help you draft and process your application, thus maximizing your chances of obtaining the grant. If you're interested in applying for these grants, do not hesitate to contact us.
