Is your business in the early stages of growth and you need advice on securing your company’s intellectual property? IP Scan funding, granted by the European Union Intellectual Property Office EUIPO, is a good tool to analyse your IPR potential for the business and the value creation with the help of an IP expert. 

How does it sound like: an IPR analysis tailored for your company for 150 euros?

The IP Scan pre-diagnostic service includes that an experienced IP expert will conduct interviews (via videoconferencing) with your company's representatives about the current situation, the potential and possibilities for IP protection to determine the most appropriate IP strategy for your company. On average, the expert spends about 1-1.5 working days providing the service and compiling a comprehensive summary report, including proposals for action. Your share of the cost is 10% of the price of the IP Scan service, which is EUR 1,500 (+ VAT 24%), i.e. practically EUR 150.

During the process, you get sparring, best practices, and recommendations from an expert on how to protect your company’s intellectual property and to create an IP strategy tailored to your needs.

The IP Scan service is part of the Ideas Powered for business SME Fund’s support program to help European SMEs take advantage of intellectual property rights, grow, and develop their business. The support is granted by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). The EUIPO can reimburse 90% of the price of the IP Scan service (excluding VAT), i.e., EUR 1,350, by issuing an IPR Voucher.

As the IP Scan funding is EU-based, the company does not have to declare this funding when eventually applying for other, national-based public funding (e.g., granted by Business Finland) which is subject to the de minimis terms.

IP Scan service can only be implemented by an expert authorised by the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) 

The Finnish Patent and Registration Office PRH coordinates the IP Scan pre-analysis service in Finland. The precondition for receiving this funding is that the service is implemented by an expert authorized by the Office.

At Kaulo & Partners, Jani Kaulo has received the IP Scan authorisation. He has more than 17 years of experience in advising companies on IPR, particularly in protecting, defending, and exploiting brand rights in international markets, and in preventing business risks and barriers to trade through IP protection and contracts. He is also Finland's leading expert in brand protection in China. He also advises startups and growth companies.

- IP Scan is especially suitable for startups in the early stages of their business when they plan to launch an innovative product or service, apply for funding and are preparing for future IP investments and international growth, Jani Kaulo says.

- When a company’s goal is to grow internationally and increase its value, IP protection cannot be bypassed. It is wise to start protection planning as early as possible to ensure that intellectual property remains in own hands, the company has freedom to operate in the market and can conduct business without disturbances, Kaulo adds.

How to apply for IP Scan funding - or, alternatively, support for trademark and design applications 

EUIPO grants the funds in the form of a payment commitments, i.e. a vouchers. Funding for the IP Scan service is applied for with Voucher 1. It gives you 1,350 euros reimbursement (90%) for a service worth 1,500 euros (price without VAT). In addition, the company can apply for reimbursement of official fees of trademark and/or design applications with Voucher 2, the maximum value of which is 1,000 euros.

In addition to Vouchers 1 and 2, technology companies can also apply for Voucher 3 and get 1,500 euros for office fees of patent applications.

Vouchers are applied for by creating a user account and registering for EUIPO's online service The Ideas Powered for Business. Read practical instructions HERE, what is required of the applicant. The 2023 application period closes on December 8, 2023. The funds are limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Contact us:

Jani Kaulo, jani.kaulo@kaulopartners.fi, +358 40 637 5442

Read more:

SMEs! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EUIPO:S VOUCHERS IN PROTECTION OF YOUR BRAND