The UKIPO previously piloted a two-part “IP Advance” funding scheme, offering two types of IP funding for SMEs – “IP Audit” and “IP Access”. In light of the findings of the pilot scheme, the IPO has now announced that only the “IP Audit” part of the funding will be available in 2025/26.

Under the IP Audit scheme businesses that meet certain criteria can access IP Audit support which provides part-funding towards the cost of an audit of their IP position.

Under this scheme, funding of £2250 (including VAT) is available towards the cost of an audit. Your business must contribute £750 (including VAT) towards the overall cost of the audit. The IP audit needs to be carried out by a UK-based IP professional (e.g. a Chartered UK Patent or Trade Mark Attorney).

For further information, click on the relevant sections below:

To be eligible, a business should be:

  • a UK Small or Medium-Size Enterprise (SME) – i.e. have fewer than 250 employees
  • engaged with one of the IPO recognised partners – i.e. Innovate UK Business Growth, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Island Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, and Invest Northern Ireland or the Welsh Government

All IP Audit applications are subject to an assessment and funding is not guaranteed.

An IP audit is a method of identifying existing intellectual property (IP) assets held in your business, as well as potential IP assets, and compiling an overall IP inventory.

An IP audit can help you to:

  • Uncover unused or under-utilised assets
  • Determine ownership of these assets
  • Identify potentially patentable technology, potentially registrable trade marks and designs, in addition to trade secrets and copyright
  • Identify any related threats.

With this inventory, you can then make informed decisions on how to develop and implement an IP strategy, which will help drive your business forward.

An Innovation Manager from one of the recognised partners (i.e. Innovate UK Business Growth, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Island Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, and Invest Northern Ireland or the Welsh Government) will discuss your situation and advise whether your company meets the relevant criteria (see above) and would be suitable to apply for IP Audit funding.

If you are advised to proceed, you will then need to complete an application form – Dehns are able to advise and support you through this process. Once completed, this form will be sent via your selected partner to the UKIPO on your behalf. Applications must be submitted to the UK IPO through a Business Advisor from the relevant recognised partner.

You will then need to appoint a firm of UK IP professionals, such as Dehns, who will arrange a meeting to discuss your IP needs.

If you feel that IP Audit funding would be of benefit to your business to help achieve its commercial objectives, let us know and we can provide initial advice and then put you in contact with one of the UKIPO’s recognised partners (e.g. Innovate UK).

If you are approved for the scheme, we can then undertake the IP Audit on your behalf. We will work with you to understand your business so that we can identify the existing and potential IP assets that can add value to the company. The audit will cover your branding, products and services, technology, R&D activities, software licences, and third party contracts.  Dehns will then provide your company with a bespoke report detailing our findings and recommendations.

If you think your business could benefit from IP advice (whether or not you are eligible for funding through the IP Audit scheme), please do get in touch with one of our key contacts below.

Get in
touch
+44 (0)20 7632 7200 mail@dehns.com