This year, the European Commission is once again supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in applying for industrial property rights. Further information is available at SME Fund (EUIPO website) and at Looking ahead to the SME Fund 2025 (EUIPO website).
The SME Fund is a European Commission initiative implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

Vouchers

These vouchers can be applied for in 2025:

• Voucher 1 - IP Scan: costs IP scan at 90%, maximum €1,350. An IP scan is a comprehensive consultation aimed specifically at making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to start protecting and strategically using their intellectual property (IP). The aim is to assess existing intellectual property, identify risks and highlight opportunities to improve the IP strategy.
• Voucher 2 - Trademarks and designs: National and EU-wide trademark and design applications at 75%, international trademark and design applications at 50%. Maximum of up to 700 euros
• Voucher 3 - Patents: "Prior art" search, national and European patent application fees at 75%, maximum up to 1,000 euros. Patent attorney fees for the preparation of a European patent application at 50% up to 1,500 euros. (A "prior art" search should be carried out before filing a patent application to check whether your idea for a technical invention is new and has not yet been filed for a patent or utility model).
• Voucher 4 - Plant variety protection rights: Online plant variety protection applications and examination fee at the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) at 75%. Maximum up to 1,500 euros

Further information can be found on the EUIPO website.