Empowering SMEs Through IP: EBN’s Strategic Partnership with EUIPO

EBN is proud to continue collaborating with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), strengthening support for our network and the entrepreneurs they serve across Europe. Based in Alicante, the EUIPO is the official EU agency responsible for managing EU trademarks and designs.

As an active member of the Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund managed by EUIPO, EBN is key in promoting the strategic use of intellectual property (IP) among SMEs.

Advancing IP Support for SMEs

Over the past few years, EBN has contributed to the creation and development of the Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund, a grant scheme helping EU-based SMEs protect their IP rights. Our team continues to play a vital role in the network’s advisory group and the Working Group on Financing IP, contributing insights from the innovation ecosystem.

Through this cooperation, EBN supports EU|BICs in guiding entrepreneurs towards better use of IP as a tool for competitiveness, innovation, and long-term growth.

The network also provides access to centralised, relevant, and reliable IP information tailored to the needs of small businesses. (Interested in learning more? Contact us.)

IP Driving European Competitiveness: Event Highlights

On 28–29 April 2025, EBN joined the Ideas Powered for Business Network Event at EUIPO’s headquarters in Alicante. This regular gathering brings together organisations from across Europe that are committed to strengthening SME innovation and resilience.

Mr Paulius Nezabitauskas, Director of EU|BIC Associate Kaunas Science and Technology Park and Mr Raffaele Buompane, EBN’s Senior Advisor, joined this annual gathering to continue the fruitful EBN cooperation with the EUIPO. The conversation focused on the possibility of enhancing the level of connection of EBN members with the main Intellectual Property stakeholders for an improved utilisation of intangible assets by local entrepreneurs.

Shaping Future Policy and Advocacy

The event concluded with a joint call for action to influence policy and reinforce innovation and business growth across Europe. As a first step, the network will develop a Position Paper addressed to the European Commission, contributing to the ongoing EU Competitiveness Compass initiative.

EBN has been invited to propose specific actions that could form the basis of the paper and contribute strategic recommendations to support EU|BICs and other innovation stakeholders. With its established relationship with EU institutions, EBN is also positioned to play a growing advocacy role on behalf of EUIPO in upcoming policy dialogues.