Helping Small Businesses Protect Their IP: New UK IPO Funding Now Available
Protecting your intellectual property (IP) is vital to securing and growing your business.
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has relaunched its IP Audit offering financial support to help small business and enterprises identify, manage and protect their IP assets.
What Is the IP Audit Scheme?
The scheme gives eligible businesses access to a government-funded IP Audit, carried out by a qualified Chartered Trade Mark Attorney or Patent Attorney.
- The UK IPO contributes £2,250 (incl. VAT)
- The business contributes just £750 (incl. VAT)
What Is Included?
Successful applicants will receive:
- A tailored IP Audit report outlining key IP assets and risks
- Practical recommendations to improve protection and strategy
- Cost projections and a suggested timeline for next steps
- A follow-up session with your IP professional to review the findings
A robust IP strategy is fundamental when:
- Seeking investment
- Launching new products or services
- Expanding into new UK or overseas markets
Are You Eligible?
To qualify for the scheme, your business must:
- Be a small business based in the UK
- Be engaged in a recognised business support programme with a regional partner
- Show potential to benefit from IP support as part of its growth strategy
How To Apply
All applications must be submitted through a regional business support partner. The scheme is delivered exclusively through:
- Innovate UK Business Growth (England) – contact@innovateukbg.ukri.org
- Welsh Government – intellectual.property.information@gov.wales
- Scottish Enterprise – IPTeam@scotent.co.uk
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise – www.hie.co.uk/contact-us/general-enquiries
- South of Scotland Enterprise – www.southofscotlandenterprise.com
- Invest Northern Ireland – tau-ip@investni.com
Important: Applications for funding can only be made through a business advisor based at one of the above organisations .
Funding is limited and subject to assessment. The UK IPO will not provide centralised application details.
Act Now
This is a valuable opportunity to strengthen your IP position with expert advice and financial support.
If you are planning to scale, innovate or invest in brand protection, this scheme can help you lay the right foundations.
To learn more about how SH&P can assist you with intellectual property and the UK IPO IP Audit, please complete the form below and let us help you.