IP Advance Grant Funding

IP Advance is a grant-funded support programme from the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), designed to help innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make better use of their intellectual property assets, including patents, trade marks, designs and copyright. In England, the programme is delivered through Innovate UK Business Growth.

The programme provides funding towards an IP Audit carried out by a qualified intellectual property professional. The audit identifies IP-related opportunities and risks, helps businesses understand the value of their intellectual property, and provides recommendations on how to protect, manage and commercialise those assets more effectively.

Eligible applicants are trading UK SMEs with fewer than 250 employees where intellectual property is, or will become, an important part of future growth plans. Businesses must be receiving intensive growth support from an Innovate UK Business Growth Innovation and Growth Specialist, as the IP Audit forms part of the wider advisory service.

The scheme provides up to £2,250 (including VAT) towards the cost of the audit, with the participating business contributing £750 (including VAT). Applications should be made through Innovate UK.

Businesses interested in improving their intellectual property strategy, strengthening investment readiness and supporting long-term innovation-led growth are encouraged to explore the programme and discuss eligibility with Innovate UK.