SME fund "Ideas Powered for Business"
The SME fund "Ideas Powered for Business" was set up on the initiative of the European Commission. The SME Fund provides financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the European Union (EU) for the protection of their intellectual property rights.
Each applicant has the opportunity to receive up to EUR 7,050 from this fund to finance designs, trademarks, patents, and plant variety protection. A total of EUR 18 million is available for these purposes in 2025.
The fund was established on February 3, 2025 and will run until December 5, 2025, or until the allocated funding is exhausted.
What is funded?
The fund is a reimbursement programme. Financial assistance is awarded in the form of vouchers that can be used for a variety of activities in the field of intellectual property:
- Trademark and design applications (max. EUR 700)
- Patent applications (max. EUR 3,500)
- IP pre-diagnostic service (IP scan) (max. EUR 1,350)
- Application for Community plant variety rights (max. EUR 1,500)
Who is eligible for funding?
All SMEs based in the EU can apply for funding.
In general, all companies with less than 250 employees and a turnover of up to €50 million per year are considered SMEs.
Self-employed persons are also entitled to apply to the SME Fund.
Where to apply?
The application for funding can be submitted online on the website of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).
Only a few documents are required for the application:
- a VAT certificate
- a bank statement
- a signed 'declaration on honour' if the application is submitted by an external representative
Concluding remarks
The EU funding programme is an easily accessible way to help you or your company protect intellectual property.
Since the funds are limited (in 2024, the fund was already exhausted by mid-year), we recommend submitting your application early.
Of course, if you need any assistance, we are always available to help.