A major innovation doesn't always stem from a radically new idea. Sometimes, the real breakthrough lies in changing a package, transferring a technology from one industry to another, paying attention to how consumer needs evolve, or overcoming a technical limitation that seemed inevitable.

The history of many everyday or world-renowned inventions shows that success rarely depends on a single moment of inspiration. Between the invention and its arrival on the market, there are decisions related to design, protection, branding, communication, user experience, and the ability to continue evolving. And some of these decisions, though they may seem minor, ultimately determine the future of innovation.

LEGO: When a Patent Ends Up Creating Much More Than Just a Product

In 1958, LEGO patented the interlocking system for its well-known bricks. The technical solution was crucial: it allowed the pieces to be firmly connected and, at the same time, separated so they could be reused over and over again.

But reducing the history of LEGO to that single invention would leave out much of what explains its subsequent development.

Over time, the company stopped focusing its messaging solely on the structures that could be built with its pieces and began to shift its focus to something much broader: imagination, creativity, and the nearly infinite possibilities of play.

The product remained essentially the same. What changed was the way value was built around it. The brand, its positioning, and the way consumers perceive the product can extend, transform, and multiply the value of the initial idea.

The toothpaste tube: an innovation hidden in the packaging

Today, it's hard to imagine toothpaste outside of its tube. However, in the late 19th century, it was commonly sold in glass jars that were shared by several members of a family.

The change came about in 1892, when Washington Sheffield noticed the tubes used to hold oil paint and began using them to package toothpaste. This change made the product more hygienic, allowed for better control of the amount dispensed, and simplified its use. The solution was later adopted by other companies and eventually became the standard format.

The toothpaste wasn't new. Neither was the tube. The innovation lay in combining two familiar elements in a new way.

This is a pattern that constantly repeats itself in innovation: looking outside one’s own industry can reveal solutions that have been working for years in other contexts and that, when applied to a new need, completely transform the user experience.

The Roll-On: When a Pen Inspires a New Way to Apply Deodorant

Something similar happened with another item we use almost without thinking: roll-on deodorant.

Its mechanism is based on a simple principle. A ball rotates, picks up a certain amount of liquid, and spreads it over a surface. It’s the same logic that led to the development of the ballpoint pen.

When applied to the field of personal hygiene, this technology solved a different problem and led to a new way of using the product.

Nylon stockings: Innovation also means knowing how to change

When they first appeared on the market, nylon stockings stood out for properties that represented a significant improvement over previous alternatives: they were durable, elastic, and performed well.

However, female consumers began to seek out stockings that were thinner, more sheer, and more aesthetically appealing. Durability was no longer the only decisive factor. The product evolved to meet these new preferences, and its advertising also changed, gradually shifting from emphasizing durability to placing greater importance on appearance.

This example shows us how a good product is only part of the journey. Observing how the market changes, identifying new expectations, and adapting both the solution and its positioning can be just as important for maintaining its relevance.

Gillette: Inventing a Product and Teaching Consumers How to Use It

King C. Gillette developed a double-edged disposable razor that offered a new way to shave comfortably at home. However, introducing an unfamiliar technology to the market also means educating consumers and showing them the benefits of changing their habits.

Gillette combined the product with educational advertising, easily recognizable packaging, and promotions that made the razor more accessible. The technical innovation was thus accompanied by a marketing and communications strategy designed to help consumers understand a new way of shaving.

Dunlop: Solving a Small Problem and Ending Up Transforming an Industry

John Boyd Dunlop developed a pneumatic tire in an effort to make his son's tricycle rides more comfortable. The solution initially addressed a very specific need, but it quickly evolved, and its application expanded to bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles.

Although its commercial and technological success was undeniable, it was discovered years later that Robert William Thomson had already patented a similar idea in 1845, which led to the invalidation of several of Dunlop's patents on the grounds of lack of novelty.

IMAX and The Odyssey: Innovating by Removing the Barrier That Was Holding Us Back

On other occasions, innovation arises because there is an extraordinary technology that cannot yet be used as intended.

Christopher Nolan had wantedto shoot an entirefilm in 70 mm IMAX format for years. The image quality made it particularly appealing, but the cameras posed significant challenges: their size and, above all, the noise they generated made them difficult to use throughout an entire shoot—especially in scenes with dialogue.

For *The Odyssey*, IMAX worked for two years alongside the director and his director of photography to develop a new generation of cameras capable of overcoming those limitations.

The new camera incorporated materials from industries such as aerospace and Formula 1 to reduce weight, a redesigned film transport mechanism to minimize noise, a digital interface to monitor its operation, and a new acoustic shielding system that reduced noise and vibrations.

In this case, the goal was not to question the existing technology, but rather to identify what was preventing us from taking it a step further and to focus our efforts specifically on overcoming that barrier.

What if the best decision is to change almost nothing?

The paper clip, the Allen wrench, the zipper, the measuring tape, the coat hanger, the egg carton, and certain types of whistles have been solving essentially the same problem in very similar ways for decades (in some cases, for more than a century).

Materials, industrial processes, and small details have changed. Its basic principle, however, remains the same.

And perhaps there's another lesson there about innovation. Evolving doesn't mean constantly modifying a product just because it's possible to do so. Sometimes, a solution is so well-suited to the problem that the best decision is to preserve what works.

Managing innovation means deciding what to protect, what to transform, and what to preserve

These examples are based on very different objects and technologies, but they share a common idea: the future of an innovation is not determined solely at the moment someone invents it.

It may depend on packaging that enhances the user experience, on technology imported from another industry, on the ability to adapt to new preferences, on a branding strategy that broadens the product’s meaning, or on a technical improvement that removes the final obstacle to making something possible that wasn’t before.

For this reason, managing innovation requires a broader perspective than simply protecting an invention in isolation.

At ELZABURU, we approach intangible assets from this perspective: analyzing not only how to protect them, but also how to defend them, leverage them, and develop them in line with each organization’s strategy. Patents, designs, trademarks, intellectual property rights, trade secrets, and know-how can all be part of the same framework for protection and value creation.

Because a good idea can open a door. But it’s the decisions made around it that often determine how far it can go.

CONTEXT

A technology company engaged in constant, highly specialized innovation

Virtual Cable is a Spanish technology company specializing in the development of secure solutions for the digital transformation of the workplace. Through its proprietary platform, UDS Enterprise, the company develops virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions that are fully tailored to the needs of each user.

Its commitment to customization, flexibility, and constant adaptation to new technological environments has led the company to maintain a strong focus on innovation. Through the evolution of UDS Enterprise, Virtual Cable has incorporated developments related to desktop virtualization, integration with cloud, hybrid, and multicloud environments, compatibility with new service providers, improved connectivity protocols, multi-factor authentication, advanced security mechanisms, and optimizations in performance, scalability, and user experience. All of this has enabled the platform to continue adapting to increasingly complex infrastructures and the specific needs of different user profiles.

It was precisely this recurring pattern of technological evolution in its platform—supported by functional, architectural, and security developments that went beyond routine software maintenance—that made it necessary to analyze which part of that activity could qualify for tax incentives linked to technological innovation.

TECHNICAL APPROACH

Identify and properly structure the innovative activity

The project began with several sessions with Virtual Cable's technical and management teams to understand the technological developments that were taking place internally.

From there, a comprehensive technical and tax analysis was conducted of the various projects and updates developed by the company, with the aim of identifying which developments were eligible for the tax incentives provided for R&D&I projects, distinguishing them from routine tasks such as maintenance, support, correction, or minor software modifications.

One of the key issues was determining whether these developments should be approached as R&D projects or as technological innovation. After reviewing the scope of the work and the degree of improvement incorporated, it was determined that the most appropriate approach was to structure them as technological innovation projects.

Based on that assessment, the economic analysis began: identifying which costs were associated with the projects and could form part of the basis for the deduction. To do so, it was necessary to work in coordination with the company’s technical and financial teams, reviewing the personnel involved, their time commitments, external collaborations, and other expenses necessary for the execution of the projects.

Based on all this information, the technical and economic framework necessary for Virtual Cable to claim, for its corporate income tax, the tax deductions corresponding to its technological innovation activities was established; the regulations and application of these deductions are set forth in Article 35.2 of the Corporate Income Tax Law.

At the same time, work was also carried out to certify Virtual Cable as an innovative company based on the AENOR EA0047 specification, which stipulates that certain indicators must be met across the areas of human resources, economic and financial resources, innovation methods, organization of process results, and job creation in R&D&I. In Virtual Cable’s case, this recognition allows the company to institutionally reinforce its innovative nature and ensure consistency in the incentive strategy linked to its ongoing technological activities.

RESULT

An incentive structure aligned with the company's capacity for innovation

As a result of the project, Virtual Cable was able to claim tax deductions equal to 12% of the expenses classified as technological innovation, in accordance with the provisions for this type of activity set forth in the Corporate Income Tax Law, thereby optimizing the resources invested in the development and ongoing improvement of its platform.

Obtaining this certification also served as official recognition of Virtual Cable’s capacity for innovation and the technological work the company has been carrying out continuously for years, strengthening its position within the national innovation ecosystem and facilitating better coordination of the various public instruments that support R&D&I.

In addition, the project enabled the company to establish an internal methodology for identifying, documenting, and structuring future technological developments from both a technical and economic perspective. As a result, the company was able not only to optimize the tax treatment of the investment already made but also to lay the groundwork for managing its future innovation initiatives in a more systematic manner.

José Miguel Sanabria, R&D&I Consultant

José Miguel Sanabria, a consultant in ELZABURU's Innovation Financing division, has led the project to analyze and structure the tax incentives implemented by Virtual Cable.

Specializing in innovation financing, José Miguel regularly participates in projects related to the identification, analysis, and technical defense of innovative developments, assisting companies both in applying for tax deductions and in obtaining certifications and accreditations related to innovation.

CONTEXT

A dispute that raised questions about the limits of protection for designations of origin

The Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), the organization responsible for protecting the Champagne protected designation of origin (PDO), detected the use of the term “Champanillo” to identify a chain of tapas bars in Catalonia, as well as its use in domain names, social media, and promotional materials.

In the European Union, PDOs are subject to a specific protection regime at the Union level, as set forth in Regulation (EU) No. 1308/2013, which ensures their protection against misuse in all Member States.

The main legal challenge in this case stemmed from the fact that the products in question were not comparable to Champagne, but rather restaurant services, which raised a key question: Can there be an infringement of a PDO when the sign is used for services rather than products?

LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

Protection should extend to those uses that evoke an association in the consumer's mind

The argument in this case was based on a central idea: the protection of designations of origin is not limited to identical or similar products, but must extend to those uses that evoke a certain association in the consumer’s mind.

If the use of the “Champanillo” trademark led the average consumer to think directly of Champagne, protection should be granted, regardless of whether it was used to identify tapas bars rather than sparkling wines.

Furthermore, that association in the consumer’s mind also constituted an improper exploitation of the reputation associated with the Champagne designation of origin: the mark benefited from the prestige, recognition, and value built up by the PDO.

This approach required going beyond traditional analysis and relying on the European framework (EU Regulation 1308/2013). Consequently, the case led to a preliminary ruling requested by the Provincial Court of Barcelona before the Court of Justice of the European Union, which proved decisive in clarifying and defining the limits of protection for designations of origin.

CASE DEVELOPMENT

A decade of litigation leading up to the final decision

The process spanned nearly a decade and went through several stages before this shift in approach was finalized.

Following an initial unfavorable ruling at the trial court level, the Provincial Court of Barcelona referred the matter to the CJEU, shifting the focus of the debate from the similarity between products to the concept of evocation.

Until then, the Court of Justice had interpreted—in various decisions, including the judgments of June 7, 2018, in Case C-44/17, and December 17, 2020, in Case C-490/19—the concept of evocation of a PDO, but it had never specifically ruled on the question of whether the protection afforded by designations of origin extends not only to conduct related to products but also to services.

The CJEU’s response, in its September 9, 2021, judgment (Case C-783/19), was decisive. It confirmed that the protection of appellations of origin also extends to services, provided that the use of the sign creates a sufficiently direct link between the protected appellation and the consumer.

Based on that criterion, the Provincial Court reviewed the case and concluded that the use of “Champanillo” constituted an infringement by association. In reaching this conclusion, the court did not limit itself to a nominal analysis but rather assessed the totality of the circumstances: the clear phonetic and conceptual similarity between the signs, the inclusion of the term “champán” in the disputed sign, its use in contexts related to the consumption of beverages, and, in particular, the unfair exploitation of the reputation associated with Champagne.

RESULT

The Supreme Court reaffirms a legal principle that redefines the scope of protection for designations of origin

On April 8, 2026, the Supreme Court upheld in its entirety the ruling issued by the Provincial Court of Barcelona, applying the doctrine established by the Court of Justice of the European Union. This brought the proceedings to a close, thereby consolidating the approach that had been adopted.

In line with the CJEU’s interpretation, the ruling reaffirms that an infringement occurs when the PDO “Champagne” is invoked, even in the absence of identity or similarity between products, and that this protection also extends to services when the use of the sign creates a sufficiently direct association in the mind of the consumer. It also confirms that such uses may constitute an unfair exploitation of the reputation associated with the designation of origin.

In accordance with these principles, the Supreme Court upholds the order to cease use of the “Champanillo” trademark, remove related materials, and cancel the associated digital assets.

Beyond its specific effects, the ruling marks a milestone in the interpretation of the concept of “evocation” of PDOs under Spanish law. The Supreme Court expressly incorporates the CJEU’s criteria and integrates them into national judicial practice, thereby establishing a standard that broadens the scope of protection for designations of origin and strengthens their defense against indirect uses.

This ruling not only provides legal certainty but also sets a clear precedent for future cases by confirming that the protection of PDOs does not depend on the similarity between products, but rather on the sign’s ability to trigger an association with the protected designation in the consumer’s mind.

Carlos Morán, partner in the Legal Department

The case has been led by Carlos Morán, a partner in the Legal Department at ELZABURU, who has advised the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne since the beginning of the proceedings, coordinating the legal strategy throughout all its phases and helping to establish this precedent.

His work in defending the Champagne PDO has been recognized internationally by the Comité Champagne itself, with his appointment as Knight of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne, a distinction the Committee awards to legal professionals who have distinguished themselves in the legal protection of this designation of origin at the international level.

Companies operating or based in Asturias now have a new source of support to protect and manage their intangible assets abroad. Through the “International Legal Services at Source” program offered by ASTUREX
(a public agency responsible for promoting the internationalization of the Asturian business community), in which Elzaburu has recently been accredited, companies can access specialized advice on industrial property with public funding.

This program is designed to support Asturian companies in their internationalization efforts by facilitating access to key legal services related to trademarks and patents.

What Is Covered by Industrial Property Grants in Asturias

The program provides co-financing for various legal services related to the protection and enforcement of industrial property rights in international markets.

Specifically, companies can access:

• International trademark and patent protection: This includes feasibility studies for registration in other countries, infringement risk analyses, and the development of protection strategies tailored to each market.
• Advice on industrial property disputes: This includes handling oppositions, defending against third-party claims, and assessing legal risks, as well as developing response strategies.
• International portfolio management: This involves reviewing, monitoring, and maintaining rights in various territories, as well as preparing reports on their status in target markets.
• Advice on contracts and commercial transactions: This includes drafting and negotiating agreements for licensing, franchising, distribution, or the assignment of rights related to intangible assets.

Amount of Aid: How Much Does ASTUREX Provide?

Grants for industrial property in Asturias provide significant co-financing for legal services:

• Up to 60% of the cost for SMEs
• Up to 30% for large companies

ASTUREX covers the cost of professional fees—but under no circumstances expenses related to registration fees or similar charges—up to a maximum of €6,000 per project.

Consequently, the investment required to address international protection or rights advocacy processes is significantly reduced, especially during the early stages of expansion.

How to Apply for ASTUREX Grants

Access to the program is through the platform provided by ASTUREX, where the company must submit its project application and apply for the corresponding grant.

As certified providers, we at ELZABURU can guide you through the entire process—not only by providing legal advice but also by handling the grant application.

This type of assistance serves as a useful tool for companies seeking to embark on their internationalization process. Adequate protection of trademarks and patents, as well as proper contractual structuring, are key elements for reducing risks and maximizing the value of intangible assets in international markets.

The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) has published the 2026 call for grant applications to promote patent and utility model applications, a key initiative to advance the protection of Spanish innovation both nationally and internationally.

An excerpt from the call for applications was published in the Official State Gazette on March 24, 2026, establishing a limited application period that should be kept firmly in mind.

Application Deadline: Key Dates

The deadline for submitting applications:

• Start Date: March 25, 2026
• End: April 24, 2026 (inclusive)*

*On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, it was announced that the deadline for submitting applications had been extended by 14 calendar days, starting from the day after the end of the deadline originally specified in the call for applications.

The application must be submitted online through the OEPM's electronic portal.

Since this is a process that requires the collection and verification of technical and financial documentation, it is recommended that you prepare and submit the application well in advance to ensure it is processed correctly within the deadline.

Purpose of the Grants

The purpose of this call for proposals is to promote and internationalize inventions of Spanish origin by partially funding the costs associated with protection through patents and utility models.

Specifically, these grants aim to:

• Promote the use of industrial property
• Facilitate access to international markets
• Improving the competitiveness of Spanish companies and innovators

To this end, the OEPM has allocated a total budget of 5,300,000 euros through a competitive grant program.

Grant Programs: National and International

The call for proposals consists of two distinct programs:

1. Program for Applications Abroad

This program is designed to fund the costs associated with the international protection of inventions.

Who is eligible?

• Individuals
• SMEs
• Large Companies
• Private nonprofit organizations

In all cases, they must have their residence and tax domicile in Spain.

What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?

Funding is provided for activities related to the international extension of patents and utility models, including:

• Applications Filed with Foreign or Regional National Offices
• Application procedures, search report, examination, or grant
• European Patent Office (EPO) Annual Fees
• Validation of a European Patent
• PCT International Procedures (Application, International Search, and Preliminary Examination)

Eligible Period

Expenses must have been incurred between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.

2. Program for Domestic Applications

This program is designed to encourage the protection of inventions in Spain.

Who is eligible?

• Individuals
• SMEs

What activities are funded?

• Spanish Patent and Utility Model Applications
• Application Procedures
• State-of-the-Art Report
• Substantive Examination (in the case of patents)

These proceedings must have been published in the Official Industrial Property Gazette (BOPI) during the years 2023, 2024, or 2025.

Grants for Patents and Utility Models

The OEPM 2026 grants are an important tool for reducing the costs associated with protecting inventions, especially in internationalization processes.

Proper preparation of the application and supporting documentation can be decisive in this type of call for proposals, so having specialized advice is key to maximizing the chances of securing these grants. At Elzaburu, we have a team of professionals with extensive experience in managing patent and utility model applications, as well as in processing these types of grants, guiding companies and innovators through the entire process—from strategic planning to the final justification of the grants.

In 2026, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) will launch a new edition of the SME Fund – Ideas Powered for Business, a grant program aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises that wish to protect their industrial property assets and reduce the costs associated with registering trademarks, patents, designs, and plant varieties, as well as with strategic analysis through IP Scan services.

Following the positive response to the previous call for proposals, the SME Fund has established itself as a key tool for SMEs and startups seeking to strengthen their competitiveness by protecting their intangible assets.

Who is eligible to apply for grants from the SME Fund 2026?

The SME Fund 2026 is intended for SMEs established in the European Union that meet the European Commission's definition:

• Fewer than 250 employees, and
• Annual revenue of 50 million euros or less, or an annual balance sheet total of 43 million euros or less.

The following individuals are also eligible for this assistance:

• Self-employed individuals, provided they can document their economic activity.
• Foundations, when less than 25% of their capital is held by public entities.

What types of financial assistance does the SME Fund 2026 offer? Amounts, percentages, and eligible expenses

The 2026 call for proposals is structured around four vouchers:

Voucher 1 – IP Scan: Diagnosis and Enforcement in Industrial Property

Eligible services:

• IP Scan (Preliminary Industrial Property Assessment): a strategic analysis of the company's IP assets and recommendations for their protection.
• IP Scan Enforcement: Expert advice on situations involving potential infringement of industrial property rights.

Coverage:

• Reimbursement percentage: 90%
• Maximum amount: €1,620

Voucher 2 – Grants for Trademarks and Designs

This voucher allows you to significantly reduce the costs associated with registering trademarks and industrial designs.

Maximum amount: Up to 700 €

National, regional, and European Union coverage

• Trademark and design fees for obtaining protection, including:
  • Application
  • Classes
  • Exam
  • Registration
  • Publication
  • Postponement of publication, when appropriate
• Reimbursement percentage: 75%

International Coverage

• International trademark and design fees in accordance with:
  • Madrid System (trademarks)
  • The Hague System (designs)
• Includes base fees, designation fees, and subsequent designations.
• Reimbursement percentage: 50%

Voucher 3 – Grants for Patent Registration in 2026

The SME Fund 2026 continues to strongly support the protection of technological innovation, covering both official fees and certain legal costs.

National Patents

• State-of-the-art search reports.
• Official fees for national patent applications.
• Reimbursement percentage: 75%
• Maximum amount: €1,000

European Patents

• Filing and search fees at the European Patent Office (EPO).
• Reimbursement percentage: 75%
• Maximum amount: €1,000

Legal Costs

• Drafting and filing of European patent applications by professional representatives before the EPO.
• Reimbursement percentage: 50%
• Maximum amount: €1,500

Maximum total amount for European patents and legal fees: €2,500

Voucher 4 – Subsidies for Plant Varieties

Maximum amount: Up to €1,500

Eligible Expenses

• Online application fees.
• Examination fees for the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO).

Reimbursement percentage: 75%

What expenses are not covered by the SME Fund 2026?

It is important to note that these grants:

• They do not cover renewals of industrial property rights.
• They are not retroactive: only expenses incurred after the grant was awarded will be reimbursed.
• They do not subsidize expenses not directly related to registration or to the IP services specified in the call for proposals.

The Impact of the SME Fund 2025: A Call for Proposals with Very Solid Results

The call for applications for the SME Fund 2025 confirmed the practical value of this program as a tool to support SMEs in the area of industrial property. The response was significant, with more than 35,800 applications submitted by more than 34,000 SMEs across the European Union.

The fund provided financing for more than 31,000 industrial property activities, benefiting more than 25,000 companies, and reached a budget execution of 14.7 million euros.

In this context, the SME Fund served as a facilitator for many small and medium-sized enterprises and enabled approximately 77% of the beneficiary companies to obtain protection for their industrial property rights for the first time, thereby initiating the formal protection of trademarks, patents, designs, and plant varieties.

This was complemented by efficient processing, with an average turnaround time of about 8 business days and payments made in about 28 days—a key factor in planning investments in innovation and branding.

SME Fund 2026 Application Deadline

The call for proposals for the SME Fund 2026 opens on February 2, 2026.

Given how the call for proposals will operate in 2025, it is expected that in 2026 the application period will remain open until funds are exhausted and that grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, although this criterion will need to be confirmed when the official call for proposals is published. It is also advisable to prepare the application in advance, since a significant portion of the funding is typically committed in the first few weeks (especially the portion allocated to patents and plant varieties).

Specialized Consulting on EUIPO Grants

At Elzaburu, we advise small and medium-sized businesses, startups, and innovative companies on planning, applying for, and managing grants from the SME Fund, as well as on the subsequent processing of trademarks, patents, designs and plant varieties.

If you'd like to explore how the SME Fund 2026 fits into your intellectual property strategy, our team is here to help you make the most of this call for proposals.

In 1865, significant advances were made in various fields of knowledge and technology. Some of these went unnoticed at the time, while others marked the beginning of business ventures that are now global leaders. Elzaburu was founded that same year, at a time when science, industry, and culture were beginning to organize themselves around the protection of innovation.

In this article, we highlight ten milestones that occurred in the same year our firm was founded and that have played a significant role in shaping what we now understand as industrial and intellectual property.

1. Mendel's Laws: Genetics Ahead of Its Time

In 1865, Gregor Mendel presented his studies on genetic inheritance. Although his conclusions were not recognized until decades later, his experiments laid the foundation for modern biotechnology, a field that today generates thousands of patents each year. They serve as a clear example of how scientific knowledge takes time to be valued and protected.

2. Joseph Lister and Surgical Antisepsis

That same year, British surgeon Joseph Lister began using carbolic acid (phenol) to sterilize instruments. His technique reduced postoperative infections and transformed medicine, paving the way for the protection of medical and pharmaceutical innovations. Antisepsis marked the beginning of a new era in surgery, and its application led to patentable developments in the hospital setting.

3. Maxwell's Equations: Applied Science

In 1865, James Clerk Maxwell formulated the equations that unified electricity, magnetism, and light. This theoretical breakthrough led to technologies such as radio, television, and telecommunications, all of which are protected by intellectual property rights. Fundamental physics, in this case, became the foundation for numerous industrial sectors that continue to evolve today.

4. Alfred Nobel and Nitroglycerin

In Sweden, Alfred Nobel founded his first nitroglycerin factory. Two years later, he would invent dynamite. His career illustrates how a scientific discovery can become a protected and commercially viable innovation. Furthermore, his legacy was cemented in the field of intellectual property with the creation of the Nobel Prizes, which recognize scientific and literary excellence.

5. The Elevator and Vertical Architecture

In 1865, the installation of elevators in office buildings began to become widespread, following the development of the safety brake by Elisha Otis. This technology transformed urban design and enabled the vertical growth of cities. Its technical evolution has been accompanied by numerous engineering developments that have been subject to industrial protection.

6. The Railroad as a Driver of Patents

That same year, the railroad network continued to expand in both Europe and the Americas. In Spain, connections between Madrid and cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, and Lisbon were being consolidated. This infrastructure, which transformed mobility and trade, relied on thousands of technical innovations protected by patents: from locomotives to signaling systems and track materials. The railroad is a clear example of how industrial property has been a driving force for progress in strategic sectors.

7. The Origins of Nestlé

In 1865, Henri Nestlé developed a formula for infant nutrition that led to the founding of the Nestlé company. Today, the company is a global leader in brand management, with a solid strategy for protecting its corporate identity. Its evolution demonstrates how a well-established brand can remain relevant for more than a century and a half.

8. Alice in Wonderland

That year, Lewis Carroll published *Alice in Wonderland*, a work that became a classic of children’s literature. Its success demonstrates the value of copyright in the dissemination and protection of creative works. Intellectual property rights have made it possible for this work to be adapted, translated, and marketed in multiple formats and territories.

9. The Transatlantic Telegraph Cable

In 1865, the first telegraph cable between Ireland and Newfoundland was successfully laid. This technical feat revolutionized communications and led to patents in telegraphy, marking the beginning of global connectivity. The transmission of real-time messages between continents was the seed from which the networks that underpin today’s digital economy grew.

10. The Bessemer Process and Modern Steel

The Bessemer process became established in 1865, enabling the mass and efficient production of steel. This innovation was protected by patents and became the foundation for major infrastructure projects and industrial developments. Steel facilitated the construction of bridges, trains, factories, and buildings, and remains a key material in contemporary engineering.

Elzaburu: a company born out of the same innovative environment

As these advances were taking place, Elzaburu was founded. Since then, we have worked alongside inventors, authors, and companies to protect their creations. Sharing our founding year with so many significant milestones reinforces our commitment to protecting the things that transform the world. Industrial and intellectual property not only preserves the value of ideas but also drives their development and application.

Elisa Prieto, Head of Knowledge Management at Elzaburu

The 2025 edition of the European Union Intellectual Property Office’s (EUIPO) SME Fund program “Ideas Powered for Business” was launched at the beginning of the year with the goal of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, self-employed individuals, and foundations in protecting their industrial and intellectual property assets. Since its launch, demand has been particularly high in the categories of patents and plant varieties, for which funding was quickly exhausted in the first few months of the year.

On June 2, these funds were temporarily made available again, but they ran out once more. They have now been made available again, although their availability remains very limited.

In this article, we'll explore who can benefit from these grants, what expenses are eligible for funding, and what the application process entails, so you can make the most of this reopening.

Who is eligible?

The program is aimed at individuals, companies, and organizations based in the European Union, such as:

• SMEs: fewer than 250 employees and annual revenue of less than 50 million euros.
• Self-employed individuals who can verify their economic activity with an official certificate.
• Foundations in which less than 25% of the capital is held by public entities.

This wide range of beneficiaries allows both established companies and individual entrepreneurs to access funding to protect their innovations.

What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?

The grants partially cover the costs associated with registering industrial property rights in the following areas:

1. Trademarks and Designs

• National, regional, and European coverage: includes application fees, class fees, examination fees, registration fees, publication fees, and fees for deferring publication at national offices and at the EUIPO.
• International coverage: Basic fees, designation fees, and subsequent designation fees are subsidized under the Madrid System (trademarks) and the Hague System (designs).
• Maximum amount: up to 700 €.
• Reimbursement percentage: 75% for domestic/European travel and 50% for international travel.

2. Patents

• National coverage: prior art search fees for patents conducted or coordinated by the national patent offices of member states: filing, examination, grant, and publication of national patents. Reimbursement of 75%, up to a maximum of €1,000.
• European Coverage:
  • Filing and search fees at the European Patent Office (EPO). 75% reimbursement, up to a maximum of €1,000
  • Drafting and submission of applications by professional representatives to the OEP. A 50% reimbursement, up to a maximum of 1,500€.
  • Maximum amount: up to 2,500 €.

3. Plant Varieties

• Coverage: filing and examination fees with the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO).
• Maximum amount: up to 1,500 €.
• Reimbursement percentage: 75%.

Important: The grants do not cover renewals or expenses incurred before the grant was awarded. Only new applications submitted after approval are eligible for funding.

How do I submit the application?

The process is divided into several phases:

1. Submitting the application: You may apply for different types of assistance simultaneously or separately.
2. EUIPO Review: The decision is typically communicated within 15 business days.

3. Voucher activation: Once the voucher is granted, the recipient has one month to activate it (extendable). Activation occurs when at least one industrial property activity is carried out and the reimbursement request is submitted.

1. Reimbursement Request: If the entire voucher is not used in the first request, you have an additional six months to carry out other eligible activities and submit reimbursement requests until the balance is exhausted.

Act quickly

The 2025 edition has shown that funding for patents and plant varieties is running out quickly. If you’re considering protecting your intellectual property assets, don’t wait until the last minute. The sooner you apply, the better your chances of receiving assistance.

The call for applications will remain open until December 5, 2025. However, applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and funding is limited.

At Elzaburu, we have a technical team made up of European trademark and patent agents who can assist you in drafting and filing your application, thereby maximizing your chances of obtaining the grant. If you are interested in applying for this funding, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The evolution of medicinal remedies into the modern pharmaceutical industry is closely linked to the development of intellectual property, the protection of inventions, and the consolidation of regulatory systems that are now essential to public health. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the concept of a medicine evolved from an advertising claim with no scientific basis into a regulated product, backed by patents, clinical evidence, and institutional oversight.

“Patent Medicines”: Brands Without Scientific Backing

During the second half of the 19th century, rapid urban growth, precarious working conditions, and poor sanitation created an environment conducive to the spread of epidemics. Against this backdrop, the public, desperate for solutions, turned to so-called “patent medicines.”

Despite their name, these products were not pharmaceutical patents in the modern sense. In reality, they were registered trademarks under which supposedly curative remedies were marketed, without undergoing any quality control or verification of efficacy. Manufacturers protected the name and the secrecy of the formula through trademark registration, which allowed them to operate indefinitely as long as they paid the corresponding fees.

Most of these formulas contained alcohol, opioids, and other ingredients of questionable safety, and they were sold over the counter—even to children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The consequences were inevitable: cases of poisoning, serious side effects, and even deaths.

In the following video, Elisa Prieto (Head of Knowledge Management at Elzaburu) summarizes how Patent Medicines came to be and why they captivated the public; their pioneering role in the widespread use of advertising; and how regulation and science put an end to these “miracles” from the apothecary.

First Steps Toward Health Care Regulation

Growing concerns about public health prompted medical associations and authorities to take action. Healthcare professionals began to reveal the true composition of these products and the risks they posed, while regulatory agencies developed regulations that required authorization procedures for the marketing of drugs.

By the 1920s, most patent medicines had disappeared, giving way to a more transparent healthcare model based on scientific research.

Consolidation of the Pharmaceutical Industry and the Patent System

The disappearance of “patent medicines” marked the beginning of a completely different era: the industrialization of medicine. For the first time, scientific research and the protection of inventions through pharmaceutical patents took center stage in production. As a result, medicines ceased to be artisanal preparations and came to be produced using standardized and controlled processes.

The ELZABURU historical archives contain significant examples of this transition:

Eno Fruit Salts

Created by James Crossley and registered in Spain in the late 19th century, they were originally developed as a multipurpose remedy. Over time, they evolved into a well-established antacid product in the GSK pharmaceutical catalog, with a global presence.

Coca-Cola: From Medicinal Tonic to Global Icon

Formulated in 1886 by pharmacist John Stith Pemberton, Coca-Cola was initially marketed as a “patent medicine” intended to relieve headaches and digestive problems. Today, with no therapeutic claims, it is one of the most recognizable beverages on the planet.

Salicylic Acid and the Birth of Aspirin

In 1884, German chemist Friedrich von Heyden obtained one of the first patents for the industrial production of salicylic acid, a derivative of willow bark with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Later, in 1890, the Bayer company registered the patent for diquinoliline in Spain, helping to establish a model for reliable and standardized medications.

Ceregumil: Tradition and Modernity

In 1907, pharmacist Bernabé Fernández developed Ceregumil, a nutritional tonic designed to improve digestion, made from grains, legumes, and honey. Registered as a trademark in 1911, the company has expanded internationally and today offers modern dietary supplements tailored to today’s needs.

In addition, the archives contain historical records from other pioneering brands, such as Listerine, Merck, Wellcome, and Glaxo, which helped shape the pharmaceutical industry in the 20th century.

Industrial Property as a Driver of Pharmaceutical Innovation

The shift from unproven advertising remedies to regulated medications was made possible by a combination of three key factors:

1. Rigorous scientific research: Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of these medications.
2. Patent protection: It ensured investment in development and competitiveness in the market.
3. Robust health regulations: These established standards for quality and transparency that bolstered consumer confidence.

The social change brought about by this model led society to move beyond “miracle cures” and demand precisely what we now recognize as the fundamental pillars of pharmaceutical innovation: safe and effective medicines, protected by intellectual property rights and backed by responsible health regulations. Today, although the sector has made progress, these principles remain essential and ensure that innovation is sustainable.

Elisa Prieto, Head of Knowledge Management at Elzaburu

Gender equality has been a key objective in recent years in the workplace. However, in the legal sector—and especially when it comes to becoming a partner in law firms—the gender gap remains a significant challenge. Although the number of women in the legal profession has grown exponentially, they remain a minority at the highest levels of management.

In recent years, women have accounted for more than 50% of new members of the bar, reflecting the talent and qualifications of women professionals in this field. However, the average percentage of female partners in large law firms is only 23%, and the number of women in senior executive positions, such as the leadership of law firms, remains low.

Progress Toward Equality

Despite the overall figures, there are examples of firms that are making notable progress in promoting women to leadership positions. At Elzaburu, more than 30% of the partners are women, more than half of the firm’s corporate practice areas are led by women, and Mabel Klimt serves as managing partner. These developments demonstrate that we are moving closer to gender equality in leadership roles within law firms.

The Importance of Work-Life Balance Policies in Law Firms

One of the biggest challenges is balancing work and personal life. However, work-life balance policies, which have been implemented at some firms, are changing this dynamic.

Flexible start and end times, compensatory time off, and remote work policies are just a few examples. These policies not only benefit women but have also proven effective for all employees, regardless of gender, contributing to a more inclusive and efficient work culture.

Equality as an Investment in Talent

The polarization of society could pose an obstacle on the path to equality. However, equality should not be viewed as an imposition or a battle between the sexes, but rather as a natural evolution toward a more just and efficient work environment. Above all, it is an investment in talent.

The key to continued progress lies in continuing to promote a workplace based on equality, where talent and hard work are the determining factors for professional growth, regardless of gender.

Isabel Gómez, Human Resources Manager at ELZABURU