The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) launched the SME Fund, a Grant initiative aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises within the European Union in the field of intellectual property rights. This initiative offers the opportunity to acquire vouchers for use in covering eligible fees for trade marks, designs, patents, and plant variety rights, both within the European Union and internationally.
Each company is eligible for a voucher up to €1000 covering 75% of the EUIPO official fees.
All EU-established companies (SMEs) or sole proprietorships may apply for a Grant, provided they have a staff headcount of fewer than 250, an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million, and an annual balance sheet of no more than €43 million. Individuals are not qualified to receive this aid.
To apply for the Grant, you need to follow a three-step process:
- submit the application and await Grant approval;
- undergo the eligible procedure, such as filing a trademark application;
- to request the partial reimbursement of the fees, it is necessary to provide proof that a trademark or design application was submitted to the EUIPO and all EUIPO fees are paid.
IMPORTANT: The grant is specifically designated for new trademark applications and cannot be used for previously submitted applications or for renewals. Therefore, you have to obtain the Grant first, and then file a trademark application.
Typically, a decision can be anticipated within two weeks, although delays may occur due to a high volume of applications.
The applications for Grants are accepted from January 22, 2024, to December 6, 2024.
Regimark may obtain the grant on your behalf. Upon receiving the necessary documentation from you, we will apply for a grant and request reimbursement after a trademark application is filed. The cost of filing a successful grant application with Regimark is €100.
