This year again, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has launched its grant scheme designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are defined according to the following criteria: fewer than 250 employees, less than EUR 50 million in turnover and an annual balance sheet total of less than EUR 43 million.
The terms and conditions of the SME Fund running until 16 December 2022 have somewhat changed compared to the previous year.
For a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) established in the European Union, it is now possible to be granted a voucher of EUR 1500 to cover 75% of the trademark and/or design fees at national or regional level within the EU, 50% of the non-EU trademark and design fees filed via the Madrid or Hague system (i.e. international trademarks and designs), as well as a voucher of EUR 750 to cover 50% of the fees for national patents.
Since the available funds are limited, applications first received by the EUIPO will be given priority.
The process is made of 4 steps:
- Submit the application for obtaining a grant
- Obtain the grant award notification from the EUIPO and the corresponding voucher
- Request and pay for the IP activities that may be reimbursed
- Apply for reimbursement
While applying for such a grant, you should be aware that you will have to wait before proceeding to the IP activities (filings, payment of fees etc.), possibly for several weeks, in order to obtain the grant award for reimbursement from the EUIPO.
Our firm will be pleased to assist you with all the administrative steps which are required for this grant application.
Documents to be provided are as follows:
a. Your company’s VAT certificate
b. Bank statement of the company containing the name of the company, the complete IBAN number with the country code and BIC/SWIFT code
c. Signed “Declaration of honour” enabling us to represent you in this procedure
Do not hesitate to contact us for any further information on this grant scheme.
Nathalie Cailteux