The call for applications to the SME Fund 2023 is open until 8 December 2023. The Fund is a grant scheme designed to offer financial support to EU SMEs to protect their IPRs. The Fund is a European Commission initiative implemented by the EUIPO in collaboration with European national and regional IP Offices.

Applications can be submitted for Voucher 1 IP pre-diagnostic services (IP Scan) and Voucher 2 Trade Marks and Designs. In the SME Fund 2022 these both fell under Voucher 1.

- Beneficiaries of Voucher 1 will get 90% off IP Scan services on expert advice and guidance for IP strategy, saving up to EUR 1.350;

- Beneficiaries of Voucher 2 will get 75% off the basic application fees for trade mark and design at EU level, national and regional level, and 50% off the basic application fees for trade mark and design outside the EU, saving up to EUR 1.000.

Full information about the requirements and how to apply for financing support can be consulted here. Funds are offered on a first come, first served basis.

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Following the special focus on SMEs by the European Commission and the EUIPO, ECTA established the ECTA SME Task Force in 2021 to assist our Association in taking active part in the EU debate and activities related to SMEs. ECTA aims to contribute to more and better use of IP by SMEs as well as to highlight the relevant role of IP practitioners in bringing this about.

If you wish to join the SME Task Force or another ECTA Committee, General Committee Elections are ongoing: submit your application here.