A call for "Aid for Promoting Patent Applications Abroad"
One of the essential aspects of the innovation process is protecting innovations through patents, where international protection is fundamental for competing in a globalized world.
In this context, on Tuesday, April 7, the resolution calling for subsidies for promoting patents and utility model applications abroad was published in the Official State Bulletin (BOE).
This new call simplifies procedures for applicants by reducing the amount of documentation that needs to be presented, including that of the approval system, and whose objectives include strengthening international protection of technology though patents, with the aim of improving competitiveness for Spanish companies; particularly Small and Mid-sized Enterprises that seek out markets outside of Spain.
The aim of the subsidies is that of promoting the protection of inventions outside our country by means of patents and utility models originating in Spain by using the national paths available in various countries -the European path (European Patent Convention) and the path of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)- and this way support the development of Spanish technology and encourage the transfer of technology.
Target activities of the subsidy include those that involve fees paid in various countries, costs for translation into the language of the country where the extension is carried out, etc.
The current resolution also reflects a higher amount for Small and Mid-sized Enterprises in relation to other applicants, (up to 80% for SME's compared to 70% for the rest of the applicants).
The timeframe for presenting applications is one month starting on April 8, 2009.
More information in OEPM's web
