The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) has announced a competitive grant program for the year 2025 to promote patent and utility model applications, both nationally and internationally.
This initiative aims to promote innovation and the use of industrial property rights among Spanish companies and individuals.
In this article, we will explore what the call for proposals entails, who is eligible for these grants, what expenses are eligible for funding, what the deadlines are for submitting an application, and how to apply.
Objectives of the SPTO Grants for Patents and Utility Models
The grant program is divided into two main programs:
1. Grant Program to Promote the Filing of Patent and Utility Model Applications Abroad
This grant is intended to subsidize activities that involve the payment of fees for obtaining European or international patents, or patents from foreign national patent offices.
2. Grant Program to Promote Patent and Utility Model Applications in Spain
This grant program focuses on subsidizing patent and utility model applications in Spain. It is primarily aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals who wish to protect their innovations within Spain.
Who is eligible for the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office's (OEPM) grants for patents and utility models?
Recipients of these grants must be individuals or entities with residence and tax domicile in Spain. The specific requirements for each program are as follows:
- Beneficiaries of International Applications patents and utility models:
- Individuals
- SMEs
- Large private companies
- Private nonprofit organizations
- Beneficiaries of National Applications patents and utility models:
- Individuals
- SMEs
What are the maximum amounts eligible for subsidies from the OEPM?
The maximum grant amounts vary depending on the type of program:
- Patent and utility model applications abroad:
The total funding available for this program may not exceed 5,000,000 euros and will cover: -
- Up to 80% of the costs associated with applying for and protecting patents and utility models.
- If the applicant is an SME or an individual, the grant may cover up to 90%.
- Patent and utility model applications in Spain:
The total funding for this program is 300,000 euros. In this case, the grant will cover up to 90% of eligible expenses related to patent or utility model applications.
Application Deadline for the Call for Patent and Utility Model Grants
The application period begins on Wednesday, April 2, and ends on Friday, May 16, 2025.
Applications must be completed and submitted online through the OEPM's Electronic Portal.
Activities Eligible for Funding Under the OEPM Call for Proposals
- International Patents and Utility Models: Eligible activities are those carried out between January 1 and December 31, 2024. These include:
- The extension of a patent or utility model application to the national offices of third countries or regional patent offices. This includes procedures such as filing, search reports, examination, or grant, EPO annual fees, or the validation of a European patent.
- Activities carried out under the PCT international procedure: application procedures, international search, or preliminary examination.
- National Patents and Utility Models: Activities published in the Official Industrial Property Bulletin during 2022, 2023, and 2024 are eligible for funding, provided they have not received grants in previous calls for proposals. These may include activities such as:
- An application for a Spanish utility model.
- The Implementation of the IET for Utility Models.
- Applying for a Spanish Patent
- The IET's role in Spanish patent applications.
- The Substantive Examination of Spanish Patent Applications
This grant program offers an excellent opportunity for companies and individuals who wish to protect their inventions by filing patent and utility model applications, both nationally and internationally. The grants are designed to reduce the financial burden of these processes, support innovation, and promote the competitiveness of applicants on the global stage.
If you are interested in applying for these grants to protect your industrial property assets, atElzaburuwe have ateamof experts who can advise you on preparing and filing your application, ensuring that you make the most of this opportunity.Please feel free to contact us.