Securing and enforcing intellectual property rights (IPR) is crucial yet resource-intensive, especially for startups and small businesses looking to protect their innovations globally.

Governments and institutions worldwide, recognising the role of IPR in fostering innovation and competitiveness, offer various funding mechanisms to support these efforts.

The funding landscape for IPR in 2025 is already looking quite bright, with a range of new opportunities and upcoming deadlines across the EU, UK, and strategic Asian hubs like Singapore and China.

Let’s take a look at the latest funding options across the EU, UK, and Asia, including programs supporting R&D, patenting, and IP management. For the full overview please take a look at our new report “IP Law: a Global Overview“.

1. European Union: IPR Funding Opportunities for 2025

The EU is heavily investing in intellectual property through Horizon Europe, the largest public R&D programme in the world, with a total budget of €95.5 billion spanning 2021 to 2027.

As part of its 2025-2027 strategic plan, Horizon Europe has introduced funding aligned with themes of green and digital transformation, which we always talk about.

These two strands are creating substantial opportunities for SMEs focused on technology and innovation, but also for SMEs that are willing and ready to invest and embed technology and innovation for their operations.

• Horizon Europe’s New Calls in 2025: These calls will focus on areas including digital advancements, sustainable development, and global competitiveness, offering numerous funding options to enhance IP protection and commercialisation strategies. For example, the European Innovation Council (EIC) has earmarked €1.4 billion to support breakthrough technologies, providing IP assistance that is especially valuable to SMEs.
• UIPO’s SME Fund 2025: With its SME Fund, the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) offers vouchers for IP services to smaller businesses, covering costs related to trademarks, designs, and IP strategy. The fund reopens in 2025, providing accessible support for SMEs aiming to protect and expand their IP within Europe and beyond.

The EU’s dedicated IPR helpdesks also offer free consultations, helping businesses operating in regions with complex IP landscapes, such as China and Latin America, to manage and protect their IP more effectively. We recommend visiting the European IP Helpdesk often to make the most of these funds.

2. United Kingdom: Key IPR Support Programmes for 2025

Post-Brexit, the UK has introduced several IP-focused programmes to maintain its innovative edge and support cross-border IP collaborations.

The 2024 budget, which has created some uncertainty for SMEs, secured funds for IPR, including tax reliefs and grants aimed at stimulating R&D and protecting innovations.

It is important to know how to maximise these available forms of support and know how to tap into them. 

Let’s understand them:

• Patent Box Relief: The UK’s Patent Box allows companies to pay a reduced tax rate (currently 10%) on profits generated from patented inventions, incentivising companies to focus on innovation and IP commercialisation in the UK and beyond. For SMEs that actively develop and exploit patents, Patent Box Relief can be a powerful tool for reducing tax liabilities on profits. The relief can lower the overall cost of R&D, freeing up funds that can be reinvested into further innovation or expansion. SMEs can elect to enter the Patent Box by making an election on their Corporation Tax return, but it’s often beneficial to consult an IP tax adviser to ensure the best approach for claiming relief based on their specific IP structure and profits. Our legal and due diligence experts can help you navigate this aspect.

• International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF): Opening new calls in January 2025, the ISPF promotes IP-protected collaborations between UK businesses and international partners. The ISPF is open to UK SMEs and academic researchers, who often have strong international networks through their institutions. The ISPF includes funding for projects focusing on global health, AI, and advanced tech; additionally, it is designed to help British innovators expand while safeguarding IP rights. The ISPF currently includes specific partnerships with countries like China and Singapore, making it ideal for companies seeking internationalisation. At NorthStar, we specialise in identifying global funding opportunities and facilitating connections in Asian markets, including China, Singapore, and other key ISPF regions. Our expertise can help you navigate the application process, connect with strategic partners, and protect your IP across borders.

3. Asia: IPR in China and Singapore

Asian markets, particularly Singapore, are increasingly prioritising intellectual property (IP) protection as a key driver of economic growth and foreign investment. 

In contrast, other nations, like China, are showing signs of regression in their IP policies. While China remains a dynamic and rapidly growing market, partnering with China-based firms or entering the market requires careful consideration due to ongoing concerns over IP security.

Here’s where SMEs but also R&D efforts and researchers’ attention should be focused:

Singapore’s IPOS IP Growth Hub: In the first quarter of 2025, Singapore’s Intellectual Property Office (IPOS) will roll out a new round of grants under its IP Growth Hub initiative. 

These grants will assist businesses with IP filings, trademark applications, and strategic IP consulting. 

Singapore continues to be a top choice for companies with high-value intellectual property, attracting global innovators.

Do not be late and make the most of the funding schemes now: get in touch with us to know how we can help and, in the mean time, download our IP Law CheatSheet (now updated with China’s latest news) and our IP Checklist