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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Declaration required: bean samples free from Cff.
Starting from 23 April 2026, new EU regulations will apply: bean seed from outside the EU must be tested for Cff before export to the EU. This testing requirement does not apply to seed within the EU.
What do we ask from you?
When submitting samples of the crops dwarf french/climbing french bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus), or broad/field bean (Vicia faba) for DUS testing, maintenance inspection, trial field testing, authorization or resistance testing we ask for one of the following:
- A plant passport as a declaration that the material is free from Cff.
Note: A plant passport is not mandatory for research purposes, but most sample packages already include one. A plant passport generally guarantees compliance with all EU requirements, including freedom from quarantine pests such as Cff.
If a plant passport is not available:
- A declaration based on origin or own knowledge (a test certificate is not strictly required) stating that the sample is free from Cff.
The declaration may be:
- preferably printed or mentioned on the sample package
- or added as an attachment
- for seed from outside the EU: via the phytosanitary certificate
Why?
Your declaration allows us to ensure that the material is safe for inclusion in our trials.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
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Submitting photos with a vegetable variety application
To apply for listing and/or plant breeders’ rights for a vegetable variety, a Technical Questionnaire (TQ) must be submitted. The Board for Plant Varieties follows the CPVO TQ as closely as possible, so that the questions are aligned.
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Gazette of the Board for plant varieties March 2026
The Gazette is the government publication sheet. The new Gazette is published every month.