European Union launches next phase of trademark subsidies for 2022

The European Commission has relaunched its SME Ideas Powered for Business Fund programme, implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office, from 10 January 2022.

The Fund can significantly simplify the path to obtaining protection for your brand against unauthorised use by another party, such as a competitor.

Who can apply for a grant

The subsidies are intended for SMEs - small and medium-sized enterprises. According to the European Union, such businesses include those with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than EUR 50 million (alternatively, an annual balance sheet total of less than EUR 43 million).

What you can apply for

This year, it is also possible to apply for subsidies when registering a trademark or industrial design outside the EU or when registering a patent. Two types of vouchers have therefore been introduced for this year:

The voucher for EUR 1,500 can be redeemed at:

• international, European and national trademarks and industrial designs

  Up to 75% of the basic fee for registering a trademark can be obtained.

• Preliminary diagnosis in the field of intellectual property (IP Scan¹)

  Subsidies can cover up to 90% of the cost of the IP Scan service.

The voucher for EUR 750 can be redeemed at:

• national patent applications

  The European Union will reimburse up to 50% of the cost of the application fees.

Thus, you will save CZK 3,750 for the registration of a national trademark and EUR 637.5 for the registration of an EU trademark for three classes of goods or services.

To apply for a grant you will need:

1. Your company’s bank account statement
2. A VAT certificate or a certificate of your company’s national registration number
3. An affidavit stating that you are an SME

If your application is approved, EUIPO will send you the relevant voucher. You can then file a trade mark application or apply for other required IPR services. Once you have paid the fees for these services, you will apply for reimbursement on the basis of the voucher you received earlier.

By when to apply

You can apply for grants up until 16 December 2022. However, the funds allocated to the Fund are limited, so we recommend you do not hesitate to apply.

If you are interested in taking advantage of the Fund to register a trademark, design or patent, please contact us at info@stuchlikova.com or +420 222 767 393 to arrange an initial consultation.

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