Why IP Rights Are Worth It for Startups:
 
Studies by the European Patent Office (EPO) show that startups that file for patents or trademarks in their early stages are significantly (up to ten times) more successful in raising venture capital and external funding, as they can offer investors measurable collateral and unique selling points. 

Support for Startups: 

In Germany and the EU, there are targeted support programs that help startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) protect their intellectual property (IP) through patents, trademarks, or designs. Among the most important instruments are the national BMWK program WIPANO (with up to a 50% grant for first-time applicants) and the Europe-wide EU SME Fund (with vouchers for IP scans and intellectual property applications).

National Funding:WIPANO 

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) supports the protection of inventions through the WIPANO program (Knowledge and Technology Transfer through Patents and Standards).

- Target group: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups as first-time applicants (no patent filed in the last 3 years).
- Funding details: Grants for professional consulting services related to intellectual property applications, prior art searches, and the actual filing of patent or utility
- Funding Rate & Scope: Up to 50% of eligible expenses (important: The application must be submitted before engaging service providers or filing the application). Further details are available on the official WIPANO information platform. 
 

European Funding:EU SME Fund

The European Union supports startups through the EUIPO’s EU SME Fund with tiered vouchers.

• IP Scan (Preliminary Assessment): Up to 90% coverage of costs for a strategic inventory of intellectual property conducted by certified experts.
• Trademarks and Designs: Up to 75% reimbursement of application fees (national, EU-wide, or international).• Patents: Grants toward search and application fees for national or European patents.
• Applications can be submitted flexibly via the platform of the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA), which provides information on the current submission windows for the SME Fund. 

If you are planning to launch a spin-off, we will support you from the very beginning and work hand in hand with the proven experts from the BTU Startup Service to combine intellectual property protection with timely applications for available funding programs. Please feel free to contact us.