WIPANO how SMEs and Inventors can benefit from the German Patent Promotion Program (2024-2027)

Germany’s commitment to fostering innovation continues with the updated WIPANO Patent Förderung Program for 2024-2027. This program is designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individual inventors by helping them secure their intellectual property (IP) through patent applications. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, the financial backing provided by WIPANO can significantly reduce the cost of protecting your innovations.

In this article, we’ll break down how the new modular structure works, what’s changed, and how much support inventors can expect to receive.

What is the WIPANO Program?

WIPANO stands for “Wissens- und Technologietransfer durch Patente und Normen” (Knowledge and Technology Transfer through Patents and Standards). It’s a German government initiative aimed at promoting innovation by subsidizing the costs associated with patent applications and related activities. For SMEs and independent inventors, this program can be a game-changer, providing financial relief in the early, often expensive, stages of bringing new ideas to market.

The New Modular Structure (2024-2027)

The 2024-2027 WIPANO program is split into two key modules that cover different aspects of the patent process:

Module 1: Patent Search and Application

This module covers up to €10,000 of the eligible costs related to:

• Initial patent consultations and strategy development.
• Conducting patent searches to ensure the novelty of the invention.
• Drafting and filing patent applications, whether national or international.

Module 2: Economic Utilization

Once the patent is filed, inventors and SMEs can apply for additional funding to support the commercialization of the patented technology. This module offers up to €6,000 to cover:

• Market research and analysis.
• Marketing strategy development.
• Prototype creation and testing to bring the innovation to market.

Together, these two modules can provide a total of €16,000 in funding for inventors and businesses to protect and commercialize their innovations.

What’s New in the 2024-2027 Guidelines?

Exclusive Focus on SMEs and Inventors:

• Universities and research institutions are no longer eligible for WIPANO funding. This shift ensures that the support goes directly to businesses and individuals that are more likely to commercialize their inventions.

Modular Funding Structure:

• The program is now divided into two distinct stages: one focused on patent application and another on commercial utilization. This makes it easier for applicants to receive targeted support at different stages of the innovation process.

How Much Funding Can You Receive?

The WIPANO program covers up to 50% of eligible costs, offering a significant reduction in the financial burden of patent applications. Here’s a breakdown of the potential funding:
Module 1 (Patent Search and Application):

• Up to €10,000, covering half of the expenses associated with patent research, strategy consulting, and filing the application. 

Module 2 (Economic Utilization):

• Up to €6,000, covering half of the costs related to bringing the patented invention to market.

In total, inventors and SMEs can receive up to €16,000 across both modules.

Why Should You Apply for WIPANO?

For inventors and SMEs, the WIPANO Patent Förderung offers numerous benefits:

• Cost-Effective Protection: Patenting can be expensive, especially when filing internationally. WIPANO helps ease the financial burden by covering up to half of the costs.
• Strategic Guidance: In addition to financial support, the program provides consultancy services that help ensure your patent is well-prepared and aligned with your business strategy.
• Market Advantage: Securing a patent not only protects your invention but also boosts your business’s credibility, making it more attractive to investors and partners.

Key Changes to Note:

• No longer supporting universities and research institutions, focusing solely on SMEs and inventors.
• Modular approach that allows for more targeted funding at different stages of the innovation process.
• Maximum funding per applicant is now split between two modules, with €10,000 for patent filing and €6,000 for commercialization.

How to Apply for WIPANO Funding

Applying for WIPANO is a straightforward process:

1. Review the detailed guidelines available on the official WIPANO webpage.
2. Prepare all necessary documentation related to your innovation, including patent search results, technical descriptions, and commercialization plans.
3. Submit your application and take advantage of the expert consultations provided through the program.
   

Protect Your Invention with IP4Y and WIPANO

At IP4Y, we’re here to guide inventors and SMEs through the patent process, from initial consultation to filing and commercialization. Whether you’re looking to apply for WIPANO funding or seeking advice on international patent protection, we can help.

Ready to secure your invention? Contact us at www.ip4y.com and let’s get started!