Part 1: Intellectual Property and Innovation Supports from the EUIPO
Over the summer, CREW will be sharing a series of articles highlighting insights, opportunities and resources emerging from our European projects, international partnerships and industry engagement activities.
One of the key pillars of CREW’s strategy, Where Creativity Means Business (2025–2029), is Industry Growth and Internationalisation. Through this work, CREW seeks to connect creative enterprises in the West and North West of Ireland with international networks, new markets, innovation opportunities, research collaborations and sources of expertise that can support business growth and competitiveness.
As the creative industries become increasingly global, it is important that founders and SMEs can access not only local and national supports, but also the programmes, partnerships and resources available across Europe. Through initiatives such as DIGI-Content, TRI-CREATES, EKIP, Creative Business Cup, EIT Culture & Creativity and a range of other international collaborations, CREW is helping to build those connections and bring relevant opportunities back to our community.
This first article highlights resources available through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), following CREW CEO Niamh Costello’s participation in the EIT Culture & Creativity Intellectual Property Summit in Alicante, Spain.
One of the key messages from the summit was that intellectual property (IP) should not be viewed as a legal exercise carried out at the end of a project. Instead, it should form part of a startup’s growth strategy from the earliest stages.
For many creative and digital enterprises, intellectual property is one of their most valuable business assets. In many cases, it is the primary asset upon which the business is built, yet many founders are unaware of the range of practical support, funding opportunities and learning resources available through the EUIPO.
Here are some of the resources worth exploring.
- IP Scan – An Intellectual Property Health Check
One of the most valuable services available through the EUIPO is the IP Scan programme.
An IP Scan provides businesses with an opportunity to work with an IP expert to review their business model, products, services, content, technology and growth plans. The process helps identify intellectual assets, assess what protection may be appropriate and develop an IP strategy aligned with business objectives.
Rather than focusing solely on legal protection, an IP Scan encourages founders to think strategically about the value of their intellectual property and how it can support future growth, investment and commercialisation.
For many startups, particularly those working in games, animation, immersive technologies, software, design and digital content, this can be the ideal starting point before investing in registrations or legal advice.
- SME Fund Support
The EUIPO’s Ideas Powered for Business initiative provides financial support to help SMEs protect their intellectual property.
Depending on the annual funding call, support may be available for:
- IP Scan services
- Trademark registration
- Design registration
- Patent-related costs
- Plant variety rights
The scheme has supported thousands of SMEs across Europe and is designed to reduce the cost barriers associated with protecting intellectual property.
- Trademarksand Registered Designs
For startups building brands, products or digital experiences, trademarks and registered designs can provide valuable protection across the European Union.
A registered trademark can protect names, logos and brand identities, while registered designs can protect the visual appearance of products, interfaces, packaging and other design elements.
For creative and technology businesses, these protections can become important business assets, particularly when seeking investment, entering new markets or developing licensing opportunities.
- Free Guidance and Expert Resources
Many entrepreneurs are unsure whether they need a trademark, copyright protection, design registration or a patent.
The EUIPO provides a range of guidance materials, practical tools and expert resources to help businesses understand the options available and make informed decisions about protecting and managing intellectual property.
These resources are designed specifically for SMEs and can help founders avoid common mistakes while developing a more strategic approach to IP.
- Learning and Training Opportunities
The EUIPO Academy offers a wide range of online learning resources covering intellectual property strategy, commercialisation, enforcement and management.
These resources are particularly useful for founders, startup teams, students and innovation support organisations seeking to build their understanding of intellectual property and its role in business growth.
Why This Matters for Creative and Digital Businesses
“For many creative and digital enterprises, intellectual property is not simply part of the business, it is the business.
Games, animation, film, immersive experiences, digital content, software, creative technologies, designs and brands are all built on intangible assets. Understanding how to identify, protect and leverage those assets can increase business value, strengthen investor readiness and create opportunities for licensing, partnerships and international growth.
The message from the EIT Culture & Creativity IP Summit was clear: intellectual property is not simply about protection. It is a strategic business asset that can support innovation, competitiveness and long-term growth.
Useful EUIPO Resources
EUIPO SME Corner:
https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/sme-corner
Ideas Powered for Business:
https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/sme-corner/ideas-powered-for-business
SME Fund:
https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/sme-corner/sme-fund
EUIPO Academy:
https://euipo.europa.eu/knowledge/course/index.php?lang=en
Interested in Learning More?
Many of the supports outlined above are available free of charge or with significant financial assistance for eligible businesses.
At CREW, we encourage founders to consider intellectual property as part of their business development journey from the outset. Whether you are developing a game, immersive experience, creative technology product, digital platform or content business, understanding your intellectual property can be as important as understanding your market.
The insights gained through engagements such as the EUIPO Summit help strengthen CREW’s capacity to support entrepreneurs and SMEs through initiatives such as CLIMB (Creative Leaders Innovating for Market and Business Growth). Innovation, intellectual property and commercialisation are key themes within CLIMB, helping creative enterprises build sustainable and scalable businesses.
If you are a startup, SME or creative enterprise and would like to explore any of these supports, contact the CREW team. Following our engagement with the EIT Culture & Creativity IP Summit and the EUIPO, we would be happy to help signpost you to the most relevant resources, training opportunities and funding supports available.
CLIMB is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Northern and Western Regional Programme 2021–2027.
