SME Fund 2025: Applications reopened

The SME Fund 2025 is an initiative by the European Commission, implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (“EUIPO”). It aims to provide financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (“SMEs”) established in the European Union (“EU”) to protect their intellectual property (“IP”) rights. This fund is essential for boosting SME competitiveness, fostering innovation, and driving economic growth. It encourages SMEs to view IP as a strategic investment.

Following on from last year’s edition, the SME Fund 2025 application period is now open, and the EUIPO recently allocated additional funds for new voucher applications.

Given the importance of this fund for SMEs, we highlight the following key information regarding the 2025 edition that all interested parties should consider: 

Eligibility

All SMEs—as defined by the Commission Recommendation of May 6, 2003—are eligible to apply for the SME Fund 2025. Applications can be submitted by owners, authorized employees, or authorized external representatives.

Application Period

Applications can be submitted between February 3, 2025, and December 5, 2025. However, funds are limited, and the period may close early if funds are exhausted. Last year, for example, the funds for the SME Fund 2024 ran out before the deadline, so early submission is highly recommended.

Vouchers and Service types

The SME Fund 2025 offers the following types of vouchers for partial reimbursement of the fees paid for IP services:

i. Voucher 1 (IP Scan): Subject to a maximum amount in countries that offer this type of voucher, SMEs can receive up to 90% reimbursement for the costs they incur for the following services:

• IP Scan (pre-diagnostic): Experts appointed by the National Intellectual Property Institute (“INPI”) provide this service. Specifically, the service identifies an SME’s IP assets and suggests protection strategies by (i) analyzing the SME’s business model, products, and services; and (ii) planning an asset management strategy.
• IP Scan (enforcement): Designed to resolve potential or existing conflicts concerning IP rights, this service assists SMEs whose IP rights have been infringed or those accused of infringement by third parties. It includes identifying possible infringements, conducting risk analysis, and advising on reponse options. However, it does not indlcude formal legal advice, contact with pertinent authorities, or any judicial or nonjudicial enforcement measures.

ii. Voucher 2 (Trademarks and designs)

This voucher enables SMEs to receive reimbursement for a portion of the expenses they incur for official trademark and design registration fees. Depending on whether the registration concerns national, regional, or international trademarks or designs, SMEs can receive up to 75% or 50% of their expenses back. Eligible fees include those for the application, class, examination, registration, publication, and deferment of publication.

iii. Voucher 3  (Patents)

This voucher enables SMEs to receive up to 75% reimbursement for a portion of the expenses they incur for official national patent application fees, as well as application and search fees for European patents.

Voucher 3 also enables SMEs to receive a reimbursement of 50% for the legal costs associated with preparing and filing European patent applications.

iv. Voucher 4 (Community plant varieties)

This voucher enables SMEs to receive up to 75% reimbursement for a portion of the costs they incur for official online application fees and examination at the Community Plant Variety Office. Note that paper filings are not eligible for reimbursement under the SME Fund.

Application and reimbursement process

To apply for the SME Fund, applicants should follow the steps below:

Registration and submission

Register and submit the grant application form along with the required documents, including the value-added tax (VAT) certificate or company registration certificate, a bank statement, and, if the application is submitted by an external representative, a declaration of integrity

1. Approval and receipt of vouchers

After submission, approval can take up to 15 business days. During this time, applicants should monitor the application status in case additional information is needed. Once approved, the vouchers are valid for six months.

2. Voucher activation

Activate each voucher before its expiration date by accurately completing and submitting the reimbursement form, ensuring all details are correct.

3. Reimbursement request

After using the IP services, apply for reimbursement using the form available through the SME Fund account. Submit the form along with proof of payment and ensure compliance with the established criteria.

4. Execution period

Once the vouchers have been activated, applicants have six months to request new activities and additional reimbursements for trademarks, designs, patents, and plant varieties. Strategic planning is essential to maximize the benefits.

Note: At the time of this publication, Vouchers 3 (Patents) and 4 (Community Plant Varieties) are already unavailable due to depleted funds. Therefore, we recommend that applicants consult the SME Fund website for further updates.