UK IPO launches refreshed SME financial support scheme

2nd Aug 2024

IP Advance, the UK IPO’s refreshed scheme, will help connect SMEs to funding for accessing professional IP support.

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The scheme has initially launched as a pilot from 15th July 2024,

CITMA and CIPA offered support to the UK IPO in the development of IP Advance, helping to ensure that the guidance offered to SMEs and to legal professionals is clear.

IP Advance will offer a tiered approach to funding, with two levels of support available:

  1. IP Audit provides part-funding of £2,250 (including VAT) towards the cost of an IP audit, conducted by a suitably qualified IP professional. The business must contribute £750 (including VAT) towards the overall cost of the audit. The business will receive a bespoke IP Audit report with recommendations, cost projections and a suggested timeline for implementation. As part of IP Audit, the business will also have a follow-up meeting to discuss the report’s recommendations with the IP professional.
  2. IP Access provides a contribution of up to £2,250 (including VAT) for IP professional advice to progress an IP management strategy or implement recommendations from their IP audit. The business must contribute a minimum of 50% towards the cost of the services carried out by their IP professional under IP Access to qualify for support.

Businesses can apply for one or both forms of funding.

IP Advance will not be administered directly through the UK IPO. Instead, it will be managed on a regional basis through a series of partners.

Regional partners UK IPO IP advance

In England, contact Innovate UK Business Growth via their National Enquiry Gateway at [email protected]

In Scotland, contact Scottish Enterprise via their website or email the Scottish Enterprise Intellectual Property Specialist Team at [email protected]. For the Highlands and Islands region, contact Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and for the South of Scotland region, contact South of Scotland Enterprise.

In Northern Ireland, contact the Invest Northern Ireland Intellectual Property team on [email protected].

In Wales, contact the Welsh Government at [email protected]. For information about their Business Wales support programmes click here.

Applications will be sent through the regional partners and then assessed by the UK IPO.

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