SMEs can apply for financing support under the new Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund until 31 March 2021. This is the second of five windows for applications that will be open in alternate months until September 2021.

The Fund is a € 20 million grant scheme to help enterprises in the EU, that fit the official definition of a SME, access their IP rights. Applications can be made for financial support in the form of reimbursements for trade mark and design application and for IP pre-diagnostic services (IP scan) available at participating national and regional IP offices*. Each SME that applies can be reimbursed up to a maximum amount of € 1.500.

Thanks to the efforts of some User Associations, including ECTA, professional IP representatives can now assist SMEs in deciding about the services offered through the SME Fund as well as requesting the funding in their name. This is a change in comparison to January window 1.

Kindly note that next applications windows will be open according to the following timetable: Window 3 (1 May 2021 - 31 May 2021), Window 4 (1 July 2021 - 31 July 2021), Window 5 (1 September 2021 - 30 September 2021).

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

*Before applying, you should check the list to ensure that the IP office in your Member State offers this service.