Incentives for the development and the protection of intellectual property intended for SMEs that are interested in extending their national trademarks to foreign countries are re-starting in Italy.
The programme called Marchi+3 has been launched by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, in collaboration with Unioncamere and the Directorate-General for the Fight against Counterfeiting, and is intended for SMEs having their registered and operating office in Italy, listed in the Register of Companies, and active and not under liquidation or undergoing insolvency proceedings.
Applications for the incentives may be filed only if:
- the publication of the application to register the trademark on the European Bulletin and / or on the international register occurred as of 1st June 2016 and, in any case, prior to the submission of the application itself;
- all expenses (including design, research, registration, legal assistance) were incurred as of 1st June 2016 and, in any case, prior to the submission of the application.
If the application is accepted, the reimbursement of up to 80% of the expenses incurred and up to 90% of those for US and Chinese international registrations is provided. Each company may submit several incentive applications, up to a maximum total amount of € 20,000.00.
The programme significantly supports the innovation and competitiveness of Italian SMEs and their intellectual property, a real asset that needs to be protected.
Zunarelli – Studio Legale Associato offers advice and assistance in the verification of the requirements to access the programme and in filing the applications, which will be possible from 7th March 2018 until all funds are exhausted.
(Elisabetta Sgattoni – elisabetta.sgattoni@studiozunarelli.com)
