EU Funds for Intellectual Property: Is Your European SME Missing Out on Thousands of Euros?

If your company is based in the European Union and you haven't yet heard of the "Ideas Powered for Business" program, you may have already missed out on hundreds or even thousands of euros in non-repayable grants. While many European SMEs are still unaware of these opportunities, those that strategically take advantage of them are building strong intellectual property portfolios—without straining their budgets.

EUIPO’s Hidden Treasure: Thousands of Euros for Your IP

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has launched a revolutionary program for European small and medium-sized enterprises that could transform the way you protect your intangible assets. The "Ideas Powered for Business" program is not just an incentive—it’s a real growth accelerator for your business.

How Much Can You Actually Get?

The numbers speak for themselves, and the opportunities are very real:

• Direct EU-wide registration: Even without access to vouchers, Swiss companies can still register their IP rights directly with EUIPO for trademarks and designs (protection across all 27 EU member states), or with the European Patent Office (EPO) for patents. This latter strategy offers protection in up to 38 countries.

• Vouchers for Designs and Models: Up to €1,200 to protect the aesthetic appearance of your products. In a market where design can make the difference between success and failure, this protection is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge.

• Vouchers for Patents: Contributions of up to €1,500 for preliminary patent searches—the essential first step to protecting your technical innovations. These searches help you map the patent landscape and strategically position your inventions.

  
  

But there's more: these vouchers can be combined. A European SME with a well-planned IP strategy can potentially access multiple vouchers, maximizing the value gained from the available funding.

Why Don’t More Companies Take Advantage of This?

The reality is surprising: despite the amount of funding available, many European SMEs fail to leverage these opportunities. The main reasons include:

• Lack of awareness: Many entrepreneurs simply don’t know these funds exist or underestimate the importance of IP protection for their business.

• Perceived complexity: The application process can seem complicated, discouraging companies from taking the first step.

• Reactive vs. proactive mindset: Many companies only think about IP protection when it’s already too late—when facing conflicts or infringements.

• Immediate priorities: SMEs often focus on short-term operational issues, neglecting long-term strategic investments like intellectual property.

  
  

How to Qualify: The Key Criteria You Should Know

To access the Ideas Powered for Business funds, your company must meet specific eligibility requirements that are worth understanding in detail:

• SME definition: Your business must fall under the EU definition of a small or medium-sized enterprise, with fewer than 250 employees and either an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million or a balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.

• EU headquarters: The company must be legally established in one of the 27 EU member states.

• Independence: The company must be independent—meaning not owned 25% or more by a large enterprise.

• Real commercial activity: The business must be actively trading and not simply a holding or investment company.

  
  

The selection process follows a "first come, first served" approach, making it crucial to apply early.

Winning IP Strategy: Beyond Individual Vouchers

Getting the vouchers is just the beginning. Companies that gain the most from these funds develop an integrated IP strategy that goes well beyond a single registration:

• Strategic timing: Align voucher requests with product launch calendars and business expansion plans.

• Portfolio building: Use the funds to gradually build a coherent and strategic IP portfolio that supports long-term business goals.

• Competitive analysis: Leverage funded patent searches to better understand the competitive landscape and identify innovation opportunities.

• Global protection: Use EU trademarks and designs as a springboard for international expansion, taking advantage of global treaties to extend protection beyond Europe.

  
  

How IP Way Maximizes the Value of Your Vouchers

Our approach goes far beyond simply helping you apply for vouchers—we develop strategies that multiply the value of every euro received from EU funds.

• Application optimization: We analyze your current portfolio and development plans to identify which vouchers will deliver the highest return on investment. It’s not just about securing funds, but using them wisely.

• Excellent documentation preparation: We handle the entire application process—from preparing all required documents to managing communications with EUIPO—maximizing your chances of approval.

• Integration with global IP strategy: EU vouchers become part of a broader IP strategy that considers your target markets, competitors, and international growth objectives.

• Post-award management: Once vouchers are granted, we support you through the entire registration process—from prior art searches to managing potential oppositions—ensuring every step is optimized.

• Monitoring and enforcement: We implement surveillance systems to protect your acquired rights and design enforcement strategies to assert your IP effectively.

  
  

The Time Is Now

Ideas Powered for Business funds are not unlimited, and competition is growing. Companies that act now gain a significant advantage over those that delay.

Moreover, the IP landscape is evolving rapidly. New technologies, regulatory changes, and shifting market dynamics make it increasingly critical to have a proactive and well-funded IP strategy.

This isn’t just about saving on registration fees—it’s about laying the foundation for sustainable growth and creating competitive barriers that protect your business long-term.

Your Next Strategic Move

If your European SME has not yet explored the opportunities offered by EUIPO funding, you're literally leaving money on the table. More importantly, you’re missing the chance to build a lasting competitive advantage.

The real question isn’t whether you can afford to invest in IP protection—but whether you can afford not to, while your competitors are already using these funds to strengthen their market positions.

Want to find out exactly how much you could receive from EU funds and how to integrate them into your growth strategy?

Contact us for a free evaluation of your IP potential and available funding opportunities. The IP Way team has already helped dozens of European SMEs secure thousands of euros in grants—turning funding into real competitive advantages.

📧 info@ipway.ch | 📞 +41 76 409 39 83Dr. Francesco FabioCTD – Chief Trademark DepartmentEuropean Trademark

Don’t wait until the funds run out. The best time to protect your intellectual property was yesterday. The second-best time is today.