- Posted 20-Jul-2021
IPA4SME – programme eligibility extended to more SMEs
The IPA4SME programme, launched by the European Commission in 2019 has been helping SMEs with their respective intellectual property (IP) journeys. The programme supports SMEs in understanding IP valorisation and successfully protecting their IP.
To date, the IPA4SME programme has focused on offering IP valorisation and protection services to SMEs awarded the Seal of Excellence under the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument. Services and opportunities offered include the possibility to acquire IP valorisation and protection, and co-financing of IP services for up to EUR 15 000 for participating SMEs.
As part of the evolution of the IPA4SME programme, this unique offer and opportunity is now being extended beyond SMEs that have received the Seal of Excellence, allowing more businesses that are innovative to benefit from what the IPA4SME programme has to offer.
Eligibility
The IPA4SME programme is open for SMEs from an EU Member State or a COSME member state that fall into one of the following categories:
- SMEs that have received a Seal of Excellence (SoE) from the Horizon 2020 programme or the EIC Accelerator Pilot. SMEs should have received the SoE during the three years prior to the cut-off date to which they submit their application.
- NEW: SMEs that have been identified as an innovative SME by the IP pre-diagnostic Service (or equivalent) in cooperating EU or COSME Member States (Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Denmark, France, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain).
For SMEs identified by the IP pre-diagnostic service or equivalent, a certificate provided by the national IP office confirming the eligibility of the SME will also need to be provided.
More information on eligibility, including considered financial criteria, and applications is available here.
Services on offer
There are three main services available for participating SMEs:
- IP pre-diagnostic
- Financial contributions towards EPO fees
- Financial contributions towards external legal IP advice
Service 1 focuses on boosting SME capabilities and competencies with regards to IP valorisation and management. The free service includes tailored and customised support for each SME from an IP expert on establishing current IP situation, identifying opportunities and strategies for IP use and guidance on developing IP advantages and benefits.
Services 2 and 3 focus on providing financial support to SMEs to cover a percentage of expenses related to patent application fees, and hiring external legal advice and IP attorneys.
Benefits of the programme
More than 610 SMEs have already benefited from IPA4SME services and valued highly the support of the programme! The benefits from the IPA4SME programme are numerous, including access to information, expertise and long-term benefits on capacity and competence in the field of IP. The diversity of applicants is a testament to the true value of IP and the support that the programme can offer.
To find out what the programme could do for your business, read or watch the selection of IPA4SME success stories.
Apply before the next cut-off closing date
The closing dates are 20 July 2021 and 7 Sep 2021. With the expansion of eligibility criteria, this is an opportunity for innovative SMEs from across EU and COSME Member States to have the chance to receive expert IP valorisation services, and up to EUR 15,000 in financed IP support.
Applications can be submitted here.
NEW: SMEs identified as innovative by the IP Scan Service
In order to be identified as an innovative SME by the IP Scan Service, you can apply to the SME Fund (https://euipo.europa.eu/ohimportal/en/online-services/sme-fund or directly to national IP Offices) closing 31 July 2021.
Information available
In addition to services, IPA4SME offers webinars, which can be accessed here, that detail services and how beneficiaries can access them.
For more information on IPA4SME and its services, visit the website. To keep up to date on IPA4SME actions and events, make sure to follow the programme on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Source: European Commission I EISMEA (https://bit.ly/3kCwqBB)