Through the EU Programme for the Competitiveness of SMEs (COSME), two initiatives are funded to provide SMEs with advices, financial support, and guidance on intellectual property rights. These initiatives are “Boosting the use of Intellectual Property (IP) with an action specifically designed for Innovative SMEs” (IPA4SME) and “supporting internationalisation of SMEs” (IPR SME Helpdesks).

The IPA4SME initiative offers SMEs services to protect and value their IP assets. IPA4SME services are open to SMEs that received the Seal of Excellence from the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument. Under the first IPA4SME open call, they can receive financial support (up to EUR 15,000 per company) and tailored IP services. Applications are open until 7 June 2019.

Regarding the IPR SME Helpdesks, there are altogether four IP helpdesks, which provide free advice and training for SMEs preparing to internationalise, but also intellectual property guidance for SMEs already present in third markets.