SME fund on online application European Plant Variety Protection
THE SME Fund 'Ideas Powered for business' is dedicated to bolstering Intellectual Property (IP) protection for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), thereby strengthening their market competitiveness.
SME Fund on online application European Plant Variety Protection
It is an initiative of the European Commission implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). In 2024 there is 20 milion euros available. Act quickly because of the first-come, first-served nature of the voucher allocation.
This year, the fund places a significant focus on the breeding sector, underlining the commitment of the Community Plant Variety Office to ensure that SMEs engaged in the development of new plant varieties are fully recognized and protected. This emphasis is geared towards fostering a thriving environment for SME innovation and growth in the sector.
75% of the costs subsidized
A key feature of the 2024 SME Fund is the introduction of 'Voucher 4', a 1,500 euros voucher specifically aimed at subsidizing up to 75% of the costs associated with online application fees and the first-year examination fees at the CPVO. Targeting new applications, this voucher does not limit the number of Community Plant Variety Rights (CPVR) applications but maintains a 1,500 euros cap per voucher.
Application process SME Fund
The voucher application process is streamlined for efficiency. SMEs can apply through the EUIPO Portal, receive their grant and vouchers, submit their CPVR application, and then request reimbursement from the EUIPO. A detailed guide, including all necessary documents, procedures, and contact information, is available to ensure a smooth application process.
Act quickly
Due to the first-come, first-served nature of the voucher allocation, SMEs are urged to act quickly to take advantage of this opportunity, as the fund will be distributed until it is depleted.
Bekijk ook
News item
Happy holidays!
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026!
The Board for Plant Varieties wishes you a warm and joyful Christmas. We would like to thank you for the collaboration and look forward to a sparkling 2026!
News item
Change in invoicing when withdrawing a national application
Change in invoicing when withdrawing a national application
We would like to inform you about our revised policy regarding invoicing for the withdrawal of applications for admission and/or plant breeders’ rights in the Netherlands.
This change aligns with the CPVO system and ensures a uniform and transparent invoicing process.
As of now, the following fees apply when withdrawing your national application:
25% of the DUS examination fee if the national application is withdrawn:
- before the first year of testing, after the closing date for the species in question, or
- 3 months before the deadline for submission of identity material when the period between the closing date and the date of submission of identity material is shorter than 3 months, or
- less than a month before or on the anniversary date for the submission of identity material in any subsequent year of testing.
100% of the DUS examination fee if the national application is withdrawn:
- after the deadline for submission of identity material in the first year of testing, or
- after the anniversary date for the submission of identity material in any subsequent year of testing.
An exception are national applications examined by a foreign research institute. If these national applications are withdrawn, we will charge the costs charged to us by the foreign research institute.
In this way, we adopt a uniform working method
We believe this makes it clear to you as an applicant what costs you can expect when withdrawing a national application.
This also ensures that the costs incurred by Naktuinbouw in preparation for the DUS-examination are reimbursed.