IP Plus

About this scheme

IP Plus, part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's IP Strategy Supports, assists companies in obtaining external expert Intellectual Property advisory support and in building in-company IP capability to implement a detailed IP Strategy, aligned with the company's R&D&I and business development strategies; an external advisor and an internal IP Champion work together to implement IP-related activities and transfer IP knowledge into the company. A wide range of costs are explicitly excluded, including IP acquisition, licensing/royalties, litigation costs, sales-related expenses, and Trade Fair participation. The grant covers 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum of €35,000, paid on receipt of a valid claim supported by documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and approved expenditure was paid.

Who can apply

• Irish-owned SMEs engaged in manufacturing or in eligible internationally traded services
• Must be engaged in RD&I (Research, Development & Innovation); to satisfy this, applicants must reference at least one linked RD&I activity/project and provide evidence of in-company R&D investment (e.g. R&D grants received within the past 7 years, qualification for the R&D tax credit scheme, or level of R&D investment from other funding sources including the company's own resources)
• The support is targeted at SMEs, but large companies may also apply and will be considered case-by-case provided all other criteria are satisfied; large companies must contact their Údarás Development Executive before applying
• Eligible costs: external IP advisory support services, up to €50,000 at a maximum daily rate of €900 (inclusive of travel, subsistence and related expenses); IP Champion(s) (max 2), based on a gross salary (capped at €150,000 p.a. each) daily rate for time spent on the assignment; IP Champion salary cost cannot exceed the consultancy cost or 50% of the overall project cost
• Ineligible costs: expenditure incurred before submission of a valid application; IP acquisition costs; licensing and royalty payments; patent filing related to Technology Acquisition (unless the technology is necessary to enable RD&I activity); professional fees for technical/commercial/legal due diligence; legal and professional costs supporting IP rights litigation; sales-related expenses; Trade Fair participation costs; overheads; consultants'/IP Champions' expenses; training course and materials costs

How to apply

1. 1Contact the relevant Údarás na Gaeltachta regional office (Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford or Meath) for advice and support; large companies must first contact their Údarás Development Executive.
2. 2Complete a grant application form, available at www.udaras.ie or from any regional office, referencing at least one RD&I activity/project and evidence of in-company R&D investment.
3. 3Submit the completed application form to the appropriate regional office.
4. 4If approved, financial support applies from the date of issue of the Letter of Acknowledgement of receipt of application; grant aid cannot be approved retrospectively for expenditure incurred before this date.
5. 5As a condition of funding, implement a language plan to promote the use of Irish in the business.
6. 6Claim the grant by submitting a valid claim with supporting documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and that all approved expenditure has been paid.