European Union
October 11, 2024
The SME Fund 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to receive financial support for intellectual property (IP) services, including protecting plant varieties. As the application deadline of December 5, 2024, approaches, we spoke with Sara Piva, International Cooperation Officer at the CPVO (Community Plant Variety Office), to discuss the significance of this fund for plant breeders and how they can make the most of it.
Q: Sara, can you tell us what the SME Fund 2024 is and why it’s important for plant breeders?
Sara Piva: The SME Fund is a European Commission initiative run by the EUIPO, aimed at helping SMEs access funding for their IP needs. For plant breeders, the voucher number 4, dedicated solely to breeders, it’s especially valuable because it provides financial support for Community Plant Variety Rights (CPVR) applications. The CPVO’s mission is to promote innovation by protecting plant varieties, and this fund helps breeders secure their intellectual property, often a critical step for their business growth. With the deadline set for December 5, 2024, it’s crucial for breeders to apply now and take advantage of the available support.
Q: What services are eligible for funding under the SME Fund with Voucher 4?
Sara Piva: The fund covers up to 75% of the application and technical examination fees for Community Plant Variety Rights, up to a maximum amount of 1500€. This means financial relief when seeking protection for new plant varieties at the EU level, which is key for competing in a global market. With the December 5 deadline in mind, I encourage breeders to start their applications as soon as possible. The SME Fund covers also other IP Rights and IP scan activities, but as it is really an interesting opportunity, it happened during the year that the EUIPO had to close the application for trademarks and patents’ vouchers, so...act fast!
Q: What is the status of the applications so far, do you have visibility over who has applied, how much of the budget is left, what type of SMEs applied? do you see a trend, in a particular crop, or a particular nation in Europe?
Sara Piva : we do not have visibility on the crop sectors, but we have indeed access to statistics. So far, the EUIPO received nearly 160 voucher 4 requests, 117 requests for reimbursement. The majority of SMEs applying for the fund are Micro enterprises and most of them apply for the voucher on their own, without asking a representative. In terms of countries, top 3 are The Netherlands, Germany and Spain, followed closely by France and Italy. In total from 20 different countries, including one application from Ukraine.
Q: What challenges does this fund address for SMEs in the plant breeding sector?
Sara Piva: Many SMEs in plant breeding operate on limited budgets, and the cost of applying for intellectual property rights can be a barrier. The SME Fund eases that burden, allowing breeders to protect their innovations without breaking the bank. This is vital because protecting new plant varieties fosters innovation, which is needed to meet growing environmental and agricultural challenges. The financial support available through the fund directly contributes to this effort, but only for those who apply before the December 5 deadline.
Q: How can plant breeders apply for the SME Fund, and what should they keep in mind?
Sara Piva: Applying for the SME Fund is straightforward. Breeders can apply online via the EUIPO’s website. It is important to remember that breeders have to apply FIRST for the Voucher via the EUIPO and only once they receive the voucher, they can file their CPVR application at the CPVO. Once they pay for their first IP activity (online application fees for CPVRs) the SME can file a request for reimbursement at the EUIPO. After the first request for reimbursement is filed, the breeders will still have 1 year to ask for the reimbursement of other online application fees for new CPVR applications or ask for the partial reimbursement of technical examination fees. Given the December 5 deadline, it’s crucial to act fast. Breeders should also think beyond immediate needs and consider how the fund can support a broader IP strategy for their business.
Q: How does this fund contribute to long-term innovation in plant breeding?
Sara Piva: By making IP protection more affordable, the SME Fund empowers smaller enterprises to continue innovating. Many of the advancements in plant breeding come from SMEs, and ensuring their creations are protected allows them to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. A common misconception is that only big industrial conglomerates make use of IP, PVR or protect their assets. Our data shows that more than 90% of our applicants are in fact SMEs, the real backbone of Europe’s economy. This protection enables breeders to license their varieties, expand into new markets, and reinvest in research. The sooner SMEs secure their funding before the December 5 deadline, the sooner they can benefit from these opportunities.
Q: What final advice do you have for plant breeders considering applying for the SME Fund 2024?
Sara Piva: My advice is simple—don’t wait. The December 5 deadline will approach quickly, and the fund is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to protect their intellectual property. Whether you’re new to the world of IP or already familiar with it, this is a unique chance to safeguard your innovations with the financial backing of the EU. If you’re unsure about the process, both the CPVO and EUIPO are available to assist you along the way. But don’t let this opportunity slip by—start your application now.
Remember, the deadline to apply for the SME Fund 2024 is December 5. To learn more or begin your application, visit the EUIPO website
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