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.

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Fees 2026

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Fees 2026

The fees of the Board for Plant Varieties are set annually by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature. The fee proposals are jointly prepared by Naktuinbouw and the Board for Plant Varieties. This announcement concerns the proposed application fees for plant breeders’ rights, variety registration, and DUS testing for 2026.

 

Fee indexation compared to 2025
• Average indexation: 6% increase on all 2025 fees.

 

Explanation on the indexation

Naktuinbouw adjusts wage and personnel costs annually based on the average of three collective labor agreements within the sector: Open Cultivation, Greenhouse Horticulture, and Garden Seeds.

For 2026, a wage indexation of 5% is assumed, partly based on recent collective labor agreement developments.

In addition, periodic scale increases are included, bringing the total increase in wage costs to 6%.

This adjustment ensures that Naktuinbouw remains in line with the market and that personnel costs are managed in a transparent and responsible manner.

 

Online application fee, also the same for all sectors in 2026

  • New fee proposal: a single online application fee of €354 for all sectors, as virtually all national applications are submitted online.
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Gazette of the Board for plant varieties September 2025

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Gazette of the Board for plant varieties September 2025

The Gazette is the government publication sheet. The new Gazette is published every month.

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Gazette of the Board for plant varieties August 2025

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Gazette of the Board for plant varieties August 2025

The Gazette is the government publication sheet. The new Gazette is published every month.

Read more