ADL #71: Protecting Your Digital Brand
EU Funding for Intellectual Property Rights
Hi there! Ana back again. Hope you had some well deserved rest these holidays. But now is the moment to get back to work, growing your beautiful businesses and making a change in your small world. Today I’m doing as I say and I’m writing to you to hopefully change your world a little bit. I’m talking about the SME Fund and how your business can benefit from it. So let’s get right to it.
EU funds for IP protection
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has launched the 2025 edition of the SME Fund, a grant initiative designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EU, including Romania, in protecting their intellectual property (IP) rights.
This program offers financial support to cover costs associated with trademarks, designs, patents, and plant varieties. The best part is that you can apply whether you're a solid solo founder or running a growing digital business - with registration costs partially reimbursed by the EU.
Each country has different availability. For Romania, only vouchers covering registration of trademarks and design are still available. The same rules that apply to Romania also apply to Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Spain and Ukraine.
✅ What Can You Claim:
Up to €700 in total reimbursement per SME
75% reimbursement for trademark/design application fees at the national, regional, or EU level
50% reimbursement for international trademark applications via WIPO
Note: €700 is the maximum total reimbursement per business, regardless of how many applications you submit.
Registering your trademark or design isn’t just a formality. It’s a strategic business move, helping you:
Build credibility and stand out in a crowded digital space
Deter imitation and misuse of your brand
Open doors to partnerships, licensing, and funding
Strengthen your valuation and IP portfolio ahead of a potential exit
But here’s the catch…
Funding is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. So the sooner you apply, the better your chances of securing support. For example, last year the funds already finished during summer time.
How can your company apply?
If you're based in Romania, the process is laid out clearly on the EUIPO website here. You’ll need just a few documents:
A bank statement showing your company’s details
A VAT certificate or your national registration certificate
If someone else is applying on your behalf: a signed “Declaration of Honour” from your team
! Important: Do Not Register Your IP Before You Apply For the Voucher
The steps must go in this exact order:
Apply for the voucher
Wait for approval
Only then file for registration and pay the fees
Request your reimbursement
If you apply for a trademark/design before receiving your voucher approval, you will not be reimbursed. Once approved, you must activate your voucher within one month and then you’ll have 6 months to register additional trademarks or designs under the same voucher.
👉 Bonus Tip
If you haven’t already mapped out what parts of your business need IP protection, now is the time to think about it. Your logo? Your app interface? Your product designs?
If you’re unsure what part of your business needs IP protection or need help with the process, feel free to reach out. We can walk you through the eligibility criteria, clarify the reimbursement steps, and help you build an IP strategy that fits your growth goals.
Here’s how we can work together, either for your IP protection or anything law related:
Legal consultancy 1:1. Get clarity on your business’s current standing, the compliance rules you need to follow, or whether a business partner is treating your company accordingly. We can also guide you on tax optimization, digital nomad laws, consumer rights, and building secure client relationships. Moreover, if you’re considering legal action or want to ensure you're on the right track, a consultation can give you the clarity and direction you need.
Legal Packages for Freelancers. Includes a professionally tailored contract template designed for service providers and a 90-minute, one-on-one session with a legal expert who understands your challenges.
Legal Retainer Service. Receive consistent, reliable, tech-savvy legal support for your business throughout the year.
End-to-End Legal Services for Digital Businesses. From corporate guidance to e-commerce compliance, IP protection, and strategies for global expansion, we create personalized solutions for digital entrepreneurs to help your business succeed in the digital landscape.
Not sure what you need? Book a free 20' intro call, and let’s figure it out together!
Something extra
This Saturday we’re celebrating World IP Day on its 25th anniversary since the WIPO established it. As this year’s theme is focusing on music and all the intellectual property framework surrounding it, I thought it would be nice to leave you with this song to listen to on your way to work or at lunch break. Enjoy! And don’t forget to protect your business’ intellectual property before it’s too late!
Photo source for web version: EUIPO website [https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/sme-corner/sme-fund/2025/how-to-apply/no-ip-scan]
Have some thoughts?
Reply to this email and let’s chat! I’m open to constructive criticism and new and brave ideas.
See you soon! The next issue is on May 8.