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If you are a small or medium-sized enterprise, from May 21, 2024 you can apply to the EUIPO for patent fee reimbursement through Voucher 3 from the SME Fund.

What kind of refund can you request?

• You can request compensation from Voucher 3 for patents up to EUR 3,500, i.e. up to 75% of the amount of fees for a search report on the state of the art before applying for a patent, which will be prepared for you by the IPO SR or the Visegrad Patent Institute.
• You can also request reimbursement of 75% of the amount of fees for the preliminary granting of a patent (filing, solution and examination), for providing publication of a patent in an EU state, as well as for the filing and return of European patents filed at the European Patent Office (EPO).
• You can also request a refund of half of the costs of representation when drafting and filing new European patent applications at the European Patent Office (up to a maximum of EUR 2,000).

In addition, the SME fund offers you the following options:

• Voucher 1 for the IP Scan service up to EUR 800: An expert analyzes your business model and products with the aim of creating in the field of intellectual property. Based on the analysis, you will find out which are the priority areas, which need to be paid attention to and which are necessary. For the IP Scan service, you will receive a refund of up to 90% of the service price (maximum 720 Euro). For more information on IP Scan and its refund, see the section below titled IP Scan: Talk to the IP Experts.
• Voucher 2 for trademarks and designs up to EUR 1000: When registering trademarks and designs, you can request reimbursement of 75% of the amount of the application fees for a national, regional or EU trademark and/or design. It is also possible to refund half of the fees for a basic trademark and/or design application filed in a non-EU country.
• Voucher 4 for plant varieties up to EUR 1,500: For Community (EU) plant varieties, you can claim reimbursement of 75% of the amount of fees for the online application of Community plant variety rights.

You can apply for the grants above via the EUIPO SME Fund website. If you need general information, contact us on 048 43 00 131 or by email at infocentrumindprop.gov.sk, or via SME Fund website.