The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) and the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) have signed an agreement to promote the use of industrial property rights in research, development, and innovation projects. Among its most significant measures is a 30% discount on certain technology information services for entities involved in CDTI programs and solicitations.
What changes with the new agreement between the OEPM and the CDTI?
The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to link innovation funding with the protection of its results. Its goal is to make industrial property more accessible to companies and other stakeholders in the Spanish innovation system.
The agreement was signed on May 24, 2026, and published in the Official State Gazette on June 30, 2026. It will remain in effect for four years from the date it takes effect, with the possibility of extension for up to four additional years.
Who is eligible for the 30% discount?
The discount is intended for entities that receive grants from the CDTI and for companies that have been awarded contracts for innovative public procurement managed by this agency.
The discount will apply to the price of Patent Technology Reports and Technology Watch Reports requested by these entities. The agreement refers to Order IET/1186/2015 for its implementation, which establishes the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office’s (OEPM) public prices.
What can these reports be used for?
The agreement designates Patent Technology Reports and Technology Watch Reports as tools to support decision-making in grant programs and innovative public procurement initiatives.
More Training and Support in Industrial Property
The discount is just one of the planned measures. The OEPM will collaborate on informational sessions and training activities aimed at CDTI staff, entities that benefit from its programs (with specific reference to NEOTEC), and organizations affiliated with the PIDI Network.
A mechanism is also planned to address inquiries regarding industrial property and to jointly develop model contracts, guides, manuals, and protocols that promote knowledge transfer.
For its part, the CDTI will promote the protection and registration of intangible assets generated by the beneficiaries of its programs.
How do I apply for the discount?
At this time, the agreement expressly recognizes the 30% reduction but does not specify the procedure for applying it. The text published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) does not indicate what documentation must be submitted, how beneficiary or successful bidder status will be verified, or whether the discount will be applied automatically.
It will be necessary to stay informed about any upcoming updates that the OEPM and/or the CDTI may publish to learn more about how this discount will be applied and what steps interested entities should take.
Industrial Property Rights from the Start of the Innovative Project
The agreement reinforces an important concept for companies that develop technology: funding, protection, and the transfer of results should not be managed as isolated processes.
Analyzing the state of the art, assessing patentability, and determining which assets should be protected can help guide decisions regarding investment, collaboration, and commercialization. The discount makes it easier for certain entities to access technology information tools, but their usefulness will depend on whether they are integrated into a broader strategy for managing intangible assets.
At ELZABURU, we advise innovative companies and organizations on identifying, protecting, and commercializing their R&D&I results, as well as on designing industrial property strategies tailored to each project.
Ruth Sánchez, Partner in thePatentPractice at Elzaburu and European Patent Attorney.