Danish Intellectual Property Office launches IP starter packs for micro-enterprises

The Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) has published a proposal for a new administrative order on the "Intellectual Property Fast Track" program to help Danish micro-enterprises protect their intellectual property rights.

The proposal aims to support micro-enterprises in protecting their trademark and design rights by allowing them to apply for "IP starter packs" and providing grants to cover the costs associated with applying for registered designs and trademarks.

The "IP starter packs" are divided into design starter packs and trademark starter packs, each of which includes access to dialogue-based guidance and searches by the DKPTO to obtain funding for registration fees associated with applying for a registered trademark or design right. The trademark starter pack includes registration in up to three classes, as well as two years of market surveillance by the DKPTO.

In addition to the start-up package, eligible companies can also apply for a grant to receive private consulting services during the application process. The grant will account for 50% of the funds, with a maximum of DKK 10,000 per grant. This assistance will help companies, for example, when the DKPTO's search report shows that the company's trademark registration application may encounter obstacles and require third-party consultation, but assistance in litigation for registered rights is not included in the scope of funding.

Only micro-enterprises (those with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total of less than EUR 2 million) registered as active enterprises with the Danish Central Enterprise Register (CVR) can receive funding under the scheme. Companies undergoing insolvency proceedings are not eligible.

Applications for the IP Starter Pack and Grants must be submitted electronically through the North Denmark Business Center. Applications are made on a first-come, first-served basis and funds will be awarded until the allocated budget for the current round of applications has been exhausted. If the budget is not exhausted, remaining funds may be reallocated to future application rounds. Grants are valid for 12 months from the date of award.