IPO update on support for SMEs

The Intellectual Property Office is committed to providing support to innovative, high-growth potential SMEs across the UK so that they may manage, protect and commercialise their IP assets.

Throughout 2024/25, the IPO piloted a new, flexible support scheme, IP Advance, which provided targeted advice and support to help businesses better understand their IP, develop an IP strategy, and where appropriate, support to implement that strategy.

The pilot was monitored throughout and subsequently reviewed to ensure its effectiveness. After reviewing the pilot, including the uptake of each tier of support and the resources required to administer the scheme, the IPO has decided to focus on IP Audit support for 2025/26 to continue delivering the best value for money.

The IP Audit scheme will continue to provide part-funding of £2,250 (including VAT) towards the cost of an IP audit, conducted by a suitably qualified IP professional. The business must contribute £750 (including VAT) towards the overall cost of the audit. The business will receive a bespoke IP Audit report with recommendations, cost projections and a suggested timeline for implementation. Participating businesses will also benefit from a follow-up meeting to discuss the report’s recommendations with the IP professional.

As in previous years, IP Audit will be delivered exclusively through our UK partners: Innovate UK Business Growth, Welsh Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, and Invest Northern Ireland. As the IP Audit scheme is delivered through region-specific partners, potential and participating businesses are encouraged to contact the relevant partner in their region (please see below) for information. To ensure the accuracy of region-specific information, there will be no centralised information provided by the IPO on GOV.UK.

SMEs that could benefit from specialist support in the management of IP-related matters and engaged in a business support programme with one of our partners, are eligible to apply for the scheme. Applications are submitted to the IPO via a Business Advisor from the relevant regional partner. All IP Audit applications are subject to an assessment and funding is not guaranteed.

For more information about IP Audit, please contact the relevant partner for your region:

In England, contact Innovate UK Business Growth via their National Enquiry Gateway here.

In Scotland, contact Scottish Enterprise via their website www.scottish-enterprise.com/contact-us or email the Scottish Enterprise Intellectual Property Specialist Team at [email protected]. For the Highlands and Islands region, contact Highlands and Islands Enterprise via their website at www.hie.co.uk/contact-us/general-enquiries/, and for the South of Scotland region, contact South of Scotland Enterprise via their website at www.southofscotlandenterprise.com.

In Northern Ireland, contact the Invest Northern Ireland Intellectual Property team on [email protected].

In Wales, contact the Welsh Government at [email protected]. For information about their Business Wales support programmes visit  businesswales.gov.wales.

IPO update, 8 April 2025