For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EU, protecting intellectual property (IP) is not just a legal formality; it’s a competitive advantage. At ACT | The App Association, we know that securing patents, trademarks, and designs is critical for digital innovators like our SME members. This is why we’re excited to learn about the launch of the 2025 SME Fund, an annual initiative from the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) designed to provide financial support for IP protection.

With limited funding available and high demand in previous years, SMEs must act quickly to take advantage of this opportunity. Protecting your innovations now means securing your business’s future! Below we have outlined what SMEs need to know to get started.

What does the SME Fund offer?

The 2025 SME Fund provides financial support to help SMEs safeguard their valuable innovations using patents, trademarks, and design registrations in four key areas:

  1. Patent voucher: Up to €1 000 for national patent filings and €2 500 for European patent applications submitted to the European Patent Office (EPO).
  2. Patent application assistance: Up to €1 500 to cover legal costs for drafting and filing European patent applications.
  3. Trademark & design protection: Up to €700 for trademark and design registrations to protect brand identity.
  4. IP scan & enforcement support: Up to €1 350 for IP pre-diagnostic services through national IP offices in participating EU Member States.

This level of funding can help SMEs safeguard their innovations, strengthen their market position, and avoid costly legal disputes.

How to apply and what to know

To qualify, businesses must meet the EU’s official definition of an SME and be established in an EU Member State. Applications are now open, but again – funds are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For full details on eligibility and the application process, visit the European Commission’s official website. A few important details to keep in mind and on your calendar:

  • First come, first served basis: While the SME Fund application window runs from 3 February 2025 to 5 December 2025, funding is limited. Once the budget is exhausted, applications will close early. In 2024, more than 31,000 SMEs applied, with over 23,500 receiving financial support, underscoring the high demand. Early application is critical!
  • Free informational webinar on 18 February: The EUIPO is hosting a webinar on 18 February at 10:00 CET to provide SMEs with step-by-step guidance on how to apply. This would be a fantastic opportunity for SMEs interested in gaining insights directly from EUIPO experts and increasing their chances of submitting a successful application.

Why this matters for SMEs

The ability to innovate and scale depends on how well SMEs can protect their intellectual assets. Without strong IP protection, businesses risk losing control over their technology, branding, creative work, and potentially livelihood. The 2025 SME Fund provides a strategic opportunity to reinforce those protections and position SMEs for long-term success.

If you want to secure funding for your IP strategy, now is the time to act. Have questions? Get in touch with us here – we’re here to help.