This second edition of the SME Fund, first launched in 2021 by the EUIPO and the European Commission with the support of Member States' IP Offices, has already reached more than 10,000 applications, 671 of which have been IP Scan applications, 9,725 trade mark and design applications and 1,102 patent applications. The also report that the most frequent type of SME applicant continues to be micro-SMEs (75.2 %).
The EUIPO held a webinar entitled ‘Power your business with the SME Fund’ on 7 June 2022 which explained how the Fund can help applicants protect their intellectual property assets, what fees can be reimbursed and how to apply for reimbursement. The recording of the webinar can be found here.
Additional information on the SME Fund 2022 can be found via social media (LinkedIn and Twitter) and can be used to help spread the word to reach SMEs all over Europe. SMEs across the EU can apply now and save up to EUR 2 250! We encourage our members with EU clients to:
- Promote the scheme using the links above
- Consider applying on behalf of clients.
FICPI’s view and involvement
FICPI’s independent IP attorney members bring insights and counsel from a wider external perspective and a commitment to high quality work. Regular meetings with Offices and other organisations in the field are an important element of our work to promote common solutions and in our advocacy work for private practice.
Next steps
Find out more about the work of FICPI's Study & Work Committee at: https://ficpi.org/organisation/committees/studyandworkcommittee