What is the SME Fund 2023?
The SME Fund is a grant scheme designed to help SMEs based in the European Union (EU) for the protection of their intellectual property (IP) rights. The grant is a European Commission initiative implemented by the EUIPO and will run from 23 January 2023 to 8 December 2023.
What activities does the SME fund cover?
The 2023 edition of the SME Fund covers several activities to help you implement your IP asset strategy depending on the needs of your business. SMEs can apply for vouchers that will provide access to a partial refund of the fees paid. This unique opportunity for SMEs can be used to get:
75% reimbursement of trademark and design fees at the EU level
You can apply for a 75% reimbursement of trademark and/or design application fees, additional class fees, and examination, registration, publication and deferment of publication fees at the EU level.
75% reimbursement of trademark and design fees at the national and regional level
You can apply for a 75% reimbursement of trademark and/or design application fees, additional class fees, and examination, registration, publication and deferment of publication fees at the national and regional levels.
50% reimbursement of trademark and design fees outside the EU
You can apply for a 50% reimbursement of trademark and/or design basic application fees, designation fees, and subsequent designation fees outside the EU. Designation fees for EU countries are excluded, as are handling fees charged by the office of origin.
The maximum reimbursable amount per SME is:
1350€ for IP Scan related activities;
1000€ for trademark & design related activities;
Who can apply?
Small and medium-sized businesses that:
Are located in the member countries of the European Union
Have less than 250 employees
Show annual turnover below 50 million €
The application can be submitted by an owner, an employee or an authorised external representative acting on their behalf. Grants are awarded to the SME and the reimbursement is always transferred directly to the SME bank account.
Application process overview
Step 1: Start with a free verification of the trademark registrability
Step 2: Apply for the grant by submitting SME Fund application form
Step 3: EUIPO grant result (10-15 days). When you receive your grant award and your vouchers, you must activate them by requesting reimbursement within 2 months (extensions are possible)
Step 4: Submit an application for trademark registration
Step 5: Get reimbursed by filling out dedicated reimbursement form (payment from the EUIPO will be sent within 1 month)
Trama has already registered over 5,000 trademarks, providing professional end-to-end service to cover all your trademark needs. Our team of expert trademark attorneys will maximise the chances of a successful grant application and ensure a smooth trademark registration process. Start with a free verification of registrability, the result of which will be available in 24 hours.
