EUIPO and EIF Join Forces to Unlock IP-backed Finance
11-May-2026
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Source : The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)
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Visits : 694
ALICANTE - European businesses hold significant value in intellectual property (IP) assets, yet these remain untapped when it comes to accessing finance. Following the findings of its recent IP-backed finance study, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help turn this potential into concrete financing opportunities for SMEs and innovators, according to the official website of EUIPO.
The agreement represents the first concrete step following the report, moving the discussion from analysis to practical implementation. It reflects a shared commitment to support innovation, boost competitiveness and contribute to sustainable economic growth across the European Union.
João Negrão, Executive Director of the EUIPO, said:
“For many European businesses, intellectual property is one of their most valuable assets, but it is still not fully used when it comes to accessing finance. This agreement with the EIF is a concrete step to change that. It helps turn IP from a legal asset into a financial one, supporting innovation, growth and competitiveness across Europe.”
Supporting SMEs through stronger IP and finance links
The collaboration will focus on helping businesses better leverage their IP rights – like trademarks and designs – as strategic assets when seeking financing. This includes improving IP valuation approaches, strengthening links between SMEs and financial instruments, and supporting the development of IP-backed financing solutions.
The EIF, based in Luxembourg, is a specialized financial institution that plays a central role in improving access to finance for SMEs through guarantees, venture capital, and microfinance instruments. As a key implementing partner of the InvestEU program, it is instrumental in de-risking SME financing and enabling investment into innovative businesses. In fact, intellectual property is increasingly recognized as a key indicator of business strength, value creation, and growth potential, helping improve how SMEs are assessed for EIF financing.
The EUIPO, the EU agency responsible for managing the EU trade mark, the EU registered design and the Craft and Industrial Geographical Indication system, also works to promote the protection and enforcement of IP rights and to provide tools and data that support innovation across Europe. In this context, the EUIPO is also working to raise the profile of IP as a key asset and to improve access to finance.
Delivering on EUIPO’s Strategic Plan 2030
This agreement contributes directly to the EUIPO’s Strategic Plan 2030, by strengthening the connection between intellectual property and financial ecosystems, helping businesses use IP more effectively to access finance