2023 EUIPO grant now available: Get up to 2350€ to register a trademark

Trademark registration is an effective way to distinguish the company’s goods and services from those of its competitors and ensure a secure brand image in the eyes of the consumers. A brand is what resonates with consumers, making it a vital asset of any business that deserves adequate protection. In order to help businesses to achieve this goal, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has extended a grant opportunity from last year to allow Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to get up to 2350€ to support their brand protection efforts.

By

Jan Buza

What is the SME Fund 2023?

The SME Fund is a grant scheme designed to help SMEs based in the European Union (EU) for the protection of their intellectual property (IP) rights. The grant is a European Commission initiative implemented by the EUIPO and will run from 23 January 2023 to 8 December 2023.

What activities does the SME fund cover?

The 2023 edition of the SME Fund covers several activities to help you implement your IP asset strategy depending on the needs of your business. SMEs can apply for vouchers that will provide access to a partial refund of the fees paid. This unique opportunity for SMEs can be used to get:

  • 75% reimbursement of trademark and design fees at the EU level

You can apply for a 75% reimbursement of trademark and/or design application fees, additional class fees, and examination, registration, publication and deferment of publication fees at the EU level. 

  • 75% reimbursement of trademark and design fees at the national and regional level

You can apply for a 75% reimbursement of trademark and/or design application fees, additional class fees, and examination, registration, publication and deferment of publication fees at the national and regional levels. 

  • 50% reimbursement of trademark and design fees outside the EU

You can apply for a 50% reimbursement of trademark and/or design basic application fees, designation fees, and subsequent designation fees outside the EU. Designation fees for EU countries are excluded, as are handling fees charged by the office of origin. 

The maximum reimbursable amount per SME is: 

  • 1350€ for IP Scan related activities;

  • 1000€ for trademark & design related activities;

Who can apply?

Small and medium-sized businesses that:

  • Are located in the member countries of the European Union

  • Have less than 250 employees

  • Show annual turnover below 50 million €

The application can be submitted by an owner, an employee or an authorised external representative acting on their behalf. Grants are awarded to the SME and the reimbursement is always transferred directly to the SME bank account.

Application process overview

  • Step 1: Start with a free verification of the trademark registrability 

  • Step 2: Apply for the grant by submitting SME Fund application form

  • Step 3: EUIPO grant result (10-15 days). When you receive your grant award and your vouchers, you must activate them by requesting reimbursement within 2 months (extensions are possible)

  • Step 4: Submit an application for trademark registration

  • Step 5: Get reimbursed by filling out dedicated reimbursement form (payment from the EUIPO will be sent within 1 month)

Trama has already registered over 5,000 trademarks, providing professional end-to-end service to cover all your trademark needs. Our team of expert trademark attorneys will maximise the chances of a successful grant application and ensure a smooth trademark registration process. Start with a free verification of registrability, the result of which will be available in 24 hours.

Jan Buza
Jan Buza

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