UK IPO relaunches SME IP support scheme
The UK IPO has announced a change to its support programme for innovative small and medium-sized enterprises for 2025/26 with new funding available.
Following a review of its 2024/25 pilot scheme, the Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has decided to concentrate its efforts on the IP Audit support programme for 2025/26.
This change comes after the UK IPO’s pilot of the more flexible IP Advance scheme, which had offered various tiers of support to help businesses develop their intellectual property strategies.
"The Intellectual Property Office is committed to providing support to innovative, high-growth potential SMEs across the UK so that they may manage, protect and commercialise their IP assets," the UK IPO said.
What the IP audit scheme offers
The IP Audit scheme provides eligible SMEs with partial funding of £2,250 (including VAT) towards an intellectual property audit conducted by a qualified IP professional. Participating businesses must contribute £750 (including VAT) towards the total cost.
Businesses that secure this support will receive:
- A bespoke IP Audit report with detailed recommendations
- Cost projections for implementation
- A suggested timeline for action
- A follow-up meeting with an IP professional to discuss the report's recommendations
Regional delivery partners
The scheme will continue to be delivered exclusively through regional partners:
- Innovate UK Business Growth (England)
- Welsh Government
- Scottish Enterprise
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise
- South of Scotland Enterprise
- Invest Northern Ireland
All applications must be submitted through a Business Advisor from these regional organisations. The UK IPO has emphasised that all applications undergo assessment and funding is not guaranteed.
Potential applicants should contact their regional partner directly, as the UK IPO will not provide centralised information on GOV.UK. This approach aims to ensure region-specific information remains accurate.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for the IP Audit scheme, SMEs must:
- Be engaged in a business support programme with one of the regional partners
- Demonstrate potential to benefit from specialist IP management support
Contact information for regional partners
For SMEs interested in applying, CITMA recommends contacting the appropriate regional partner:
England: Innovate UK Business Growth via [email protected]
Scotland:
- Scottish Enterprise: www.scottish-enterprise.com/contact-us or [email protected]
- Highlands and Islands: www.hie.co.uk/contact-us/general-enquiries
- South of Scotland: www.southofscotlandenterprise.com
Northern Ireland: Invest Northern Ireland at [email protected]
Wales: Welsh Government at [email protected] or visit businesswales.gov.wales for support programmes