For innovative businesses, intellectual property is often among their most valuable assets. Yet, for many start-ups, university spin-outs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), access to specialist intellectual property advice remains limited at precisely the stage when strategic decisions have the greatest long-term impact.

Questions surrounding trade mark protection, design rights, patents, copyright ownership, licensing or IP strategy frequently arise long before a business has the resources to retain specialist legal counsel. As a result, IP protection is often postponed until after products have been launched, investment has been secured or commercial relationships have been established, when the legal and commercial risks are significantly greater.

Recognising these challenges, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening Europe’s innovation ecosystem by improving access to intellectual property expertise. Alongside programmes such as the SME Fund, the EUIPO has established a network of intellectual property professionals committed to providing pro bono legal assistance to eligible SMEs across the European Union.

The initiative reflects an increasingly recognised principle in innovation policy: intellectual property should not be viewed solely as a legal right to be protected, but as a strategic business asset capable of driving innovation, attracting investment and supporting sustainable growth. Early access to specialist advice enables businesses to make informed decisions regarding the protection, ownership and commercial exploitation of their intellectual assets before opportunities are lost or disputes arise.

For many growing businesses, timely IP advice can influence not only how innovation is protected, but also how it is valued by investors, licensed to commercial partners or leveraged during international expansion. Improving access to specialist expertise therefore contributes directly to the competitiveness of Europe’s innovation economy.

Against this background, Irimia & Partners has joined the EUIPO Pro Bono Network, through which participating intellectual property professionals provide initial pro bono assistance to eligible SMEs on a broad range of IP matters.

Our inclusion in the network reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting innovation through practical, commercially focused intellectual property advice. We are pleased to contribute to an initiative that enables entrepreneurs, researchers and growing businesses to access specialist IP guidance at a stage where it can make a meaningful difference.

Further information about the programme, including the eligibility criteria and the list of participating professionals, is available on the EUIPO website: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/sme-corner/free-ip-support/overview

To find out whether your business may be eligible for initial pro bono IP assistance through the EUIPO Pro Bono Network, please complete the contact form below and our team will guide you through the next steps.