On February 3, 2025, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), in collaboration with the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN), launched the sixth edition of the SME Fund. This initiative offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a vital opportunity to secure financial support for their intellectual property (IP), strengthening their competitive edge in an increasingly innovation-driven economy.
Why IP Matters for SMEs
Now in its fifth year, the SME Fund has already assisted over 72,000 businesses in protecting their trademarks, designs, patents, and plant varieties. Research consistently highlights the substantial economic benefits of owning registered IP rights.
Companies with registered IP generate, on average, 23.8% more revenue per employee. When adjusting for industry and company size, this figure rises to 41%. Additionally, businesses that hold IP rights tend to offer higher remunerations, with employees earning 22% more than those in non-IP-owning companies.
Despite these clear advantages, only 10% of SMEs currently register their IP rights, representing both a challenge and an opportunity for European businesses. The SME Fund aims to bridge this gap by making IP protection more accessible and financially feasible.
Breaking Down Financial Barriers to IP Protection
The SME Fund is specifically designed to remove financial barriers that often deter businesses from securing their intellectual assets. In 2024 alone, over 31,000 applications were submitted by companies looking to safeguard their innovations. For SMEs, IP protection is not just a legal safeguard – it is a strategic investment that enhances resilience, fosters growth, and facilitates international expansion.
Beyond protection, actively managing IP offers businesses numerous advantages, from improved market positioning to enhanced collaboration opportunities. Securing trademarks, patents, and design rights ensures that SMEs can monetize their innovations while preventing competitors from exploiting their hard-earned work.
The Role of IP Professionals in SME Success
IP professionals play a critical role in helping SMEs navigate the complexities of IP registration, enforcement, and commercialization. From identifying valuable IP assets to securing the right protections, their expertise ensures businesses maximize the benefits of their intellectual property.
These professionals also assist SMEs in:
Understanding national and international IP frameworks.
Developing enforcement strategies against infringement.
Exploring opportunities such as licensing, partnerships, and commercialization strategies.
Aligning IP strategies with broader business goals to enhance long-term growth and market positioning.
By simplifying the often complex world of IP, experts empower SMEs to turn their innovative ideas into tangible business advantages.
IP as a Cornerstone of Business Strategy
The SME Fund 2025 encourages businesses to integrate IP into their overall business models. By leveraging enforcement strategies and exploring licensing opportunities, SMEs can transform intangible assets into powerful economic drivers.
As awareness of IP’s value grows, so does the demand for expert guidance. The SME Fund provides a timely opportunity for SMEs to gain access to financial and strategic support at a crucial stage in their development.
For those in the intellectual property field, the message is clear: the SME Fund is not just about individual business success – it strengthens innovation across Europe, fostering a more competitive and dynamic economy. As the 2025 edition unfolds, it is essential to ensure that more SMEs recognize the immense potential of their intellectual property as a cornerstone of their growth strategy.
In an increasingly competitive landscape, the businesses that protect their ideas today will be the ones shaping the market of tomorrow.
Original announcement by EUIPO here