IP Plus

About this scheme

IP Plus supports companies to obtain external expert IP advisory support services and build the in-company IP capability needed to implement a detailed IP Strategy, aligned with the company's RD&I and business development strategies. An external Advisor and an internal IP Champion collaborate to implement IP-related activities and transfer IP knowledge into the company. It can be used for consultancy costs (external IP advisory and support services, including obtaining, validating and defending IP) and salary costs (for the portion of an internal staff member's time performing the IP Champion role). It is aimed at Irish-owned businesses in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector that are clients of Enterprise Ireland, a Local Enterprise Office, or Údarás na Gaeltachta, generally SMEs (Large companies may apply on a case-by-case basis), and RD&I performing companies with a track record of R&D investment. It provides funding to support a maximum grant of €35,000, up to 50% of eligible project costs of €70,000.

Who can apply

• Irish-owned business operating in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector
• Must be a client of Enterprise Ireland, a Local Enterprise Office, or Údarás na Gaeltachta
• Must be an SME (Large companies may also apply for IP Plus only and will be considered on a case-by-case basis if all other criteria are met; Large companies must contact their Client Advisor before applying)
• Must be an RD&I performing company: applicants must reference at least one RD&I activity/project linked in the IP Strategy application, and provide an indication of in-company R&D investment by referencing at least one of: R&D grants received within the past 7 years; qualification for the R&D tax credit scheme; or the level of investment in R&D from other funding sources including the company's own resources
• Eligible costs: consultancy (cost of external IP advisory and support services, including obtaining, validating and defending IP, if applicable) and salary (cost for the portion of time an internal staff member performs tasks assigned to the IP Champion role)
• Salary cost cannot exceed consultancy cost, or 50% of the overall project cost

How to apply

1. 1Company confirms it is RD&I performing and identifies an internal IP Champion to collaborate with an external IP Advisor on implementing an IP Strategy
2. 2Company (Large companies must first contact their Client Advisor) applies via Enterprise Ireland's online application process, referencing at least one RD&I activity/project and evidence of in-company R&D investment in the IP Strategy application
3. 3If approved, receive a Letter of Offer confirming the grant, Project Number, approved expenditure and Final Claim Date, then engage the external IP Advisor and carry out the approved IP Strategy implementation
4. 4Company submits an Interim Report during the project and an End of Project Report on completion, using Enterprise Ireland's IP Plus Interim Report and End of Project Report templates
5. 5Company downloads and completes the IP Plus Grant Claim Form and Director Statement (one Excel workbook); first-time grantees, or those who haven't previously provided bank details for Electronic Fund Transfer, also complete the IP Plus Bank Details for Payment by EFT form
6. 6Company emails the completed claim to IndustryGrantClaims@enterprise-ireland.com, including Company Name and Project Number in the subject line, with files encrypted using the company's CES ID; claims are not accepted by post
7. 7A Grant Payment Officer reviews the claim; if information is missing they suspend the claim and request it, or return it as invalid if significant documentation is missing or the Final Claim Date has passed; if complete, the Payment Officer authorises the claim and submits a payment request to Finance, with payment made by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)