The SME Fund is a grant initiative crafted to assist SMEs in safeguarding their intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and new plant varieties, through financial support. Additionally, the Fund can fund assessments of SMEs' IP needs, considering the innovation potential inherent in their intangible assets. In 2023, 78% of businesses receiving assistance from the SME Fund successfully secured their intellectual property, rendering them more appealing to potential investors.

The 2024 revamp of the SME Fund will partially reimburse legal professionals' representation fees associated with the preparation and submission of European patent applications. Furthermore, as part of the forthcoming EU Anti-Counterfeiting Toolbox, it will allocate budgets for legal advice on enforcement, assisting SMEs in more effectively addressing intellectual property infringements.

Who can receive the SME Fund grant?

The SME Fund provides financial assistance to SMEs based in the European Union. Applications can be submitted by owners, employees, or authorized external representatives acting on their behalf. Even self-employed individuals, and entities who benefitted from previous SME Fund grants can apply as well.

Should the company applying for the SME Fund enlist the services of an external representative, a declaration of honour must be completed and signed by both parties. This should be submitted along with the electronic application form. 

Budget and award criteria

The SME Fund can count on a 21,3 million euro availability, split as follows:

• 20 million for Voucher 1 and 2 (IP Scan/IP Scan enforcement, trademark, design);
• 1,1 million for Voucher 3 (patents);
• 200 000 for Voucher 4 (community plant variety).

Grants are awarded as vouchers, allowing beneficiaries to seek reimbursement for their intellectual property application costs. Reimbursement is directly transferred to the SME's bank account. Funds are limited and disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.

All reimbursements of grants will be directly deposited into the bank account of the SME specified in the application.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted until December 6th, 2024.

It is important to note that the SME Fund 2024 operates with finite funds. In the event of fund depletion before the specified closing date, applications will be promptly closed. Should funds be exhausted for a particular voucher, a notification will be posted on the SME Fund website, and applications for the affected voucher will be temporarily suspended.

For any further information, you may refer to the call for proposals document, or to the EUIPO FAQs.