Author: Olivia Boylan

A guide for SMEs and startups.

The UK’s Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has re-launched its funding programme to provide support to SME’s in need of advice on their intellectual property. Here’s an insight into the scheme and how you might be able to take advantage of it.

What is the IP Advance?
The IP Advance is a new support scheme for SME’s, an evolution from the previous IP Audits scheme and aims to provide “targeted advice and support to help businesses better understand their IP, develop an IP strategy and, where appropriate, support to implement that strategy.”

This latest programme, IP Advance, is split into two tiers:
- IP Audit
- IP Access

These tiers offer distinctly different forms of support, and businesses can apply for both, or either of these, which would cover the costs of the services provided by IP specialists.

Can my business apply?
If IP is earmarked as a key to the growth of your business, you can apply, as long as the business also fits the UK Government’s description of a micro, small or medium business:

- Medium: has a maximum turnover of £36m, a maximum balance sheet total of £18m, and a maximum headcount of 250.
- Small: has a maximum turnover of £10.2m, a maximum balance sheet total of £5.1m, and a maximum headcount of 50.
- Micro: has a maximum turnover of £632,000, a maximum balance sheet total of £316,000, and a maximum headcount of 10.

Businesses which are eligible must also receive support from regional or national development agencies. The contact within the agency should also act as an advisor throughout the application process, taking the business through a series of checks before applying for either tier set out by the UKIPO’s scheme.

The difference between IP Audit and IP Access
IP Audit (tier one funding) is suited to businesses that would like to understand, in depth, the intellectual property they have and recommendations, for example additional IP filing. Brandsmiths can conduct this audit and provide an IP strategy report. An IP Audit is particularly helpful for businesses who want to assess their IP and align future intentions of the brand with their IP.

IP Access (tier two funding) is for those businesses in need of advice and support in managing their IP portfolio. It is designed to follow on from the services provided within the IP Audit. However, it is not mandatory to complete the IP Audit before seeking out funding for IP Access. IP Access is useful for businesses who are aware of their IP and know which areas they would like to invest in and bolster their IP protection. Or if you have specific action points from the IP Audit you would like to implement.


What funding can I receive?
Businesses can receive up to £2,250 towards advice on their IP assets within an IP Audit, however, they will need to contribute a minimum of 50% towards the overall cost of the service which they are looking to access. The funding covers management, commercialisation and licensing of IP, but not any legal fees for disputes with third parties.

For IP Audit, you can receive part funding of £2,250 (including VAT) but the business itself must contribute £750 (including VAT) towards the overall cost of the audit.

For IP Access, you can receive contribution of £2,250 (including VAT) for an IP professional to implement IP advice or the specific recommendations from the IP Audit. The business itself must contribute a minimum of 50% towards the costs of the services undertaken by the IP professional. The funding covers management, commercialisation and licensing of IP, but not any legal fees for disputes with third parties.

How can my business apply?
As mentioned above, the IP Advance scheme is delivered through exclusive regional departments:
- Innovate UK Business Growth;
- Welsh Government
- Scottish Enterprise;
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise;
- South of Scotland Enterprise; and
- Invest Northern Ireland.

To seek guidance on how to apply for IP Advance, or on your intellectual property in general, please reach out to andy@brandsmiths.co.uk.