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