European Commission launches Horizon IP Scan to help SMEs manage intellectual property in Horizon projects
- ›The European Commission launched Horizon IP Scan, a free first line intellectual property support service for European start ups and SMEs engaged in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe collaborative projects.
- ›The service provides tailored assessments and practical recommendations to protect pre existing IP and to develop joint IP management and exploitation strategies with project partners.
- ›Eligibility is limited to SMEs about to sign or recently signed a Horizon Grant Agreement and to SMEs referred via Horizon Results Booster or the Enterprise Europe Network under specific timing windows.
- ›Horizon IP Scan is delivered by a Europe wide network of local IP experts matched by a central coordination team and is offered on a continuous, first come first served basis.
- ›The service is explicitly advisory and first line in nature and does not replace specialised legal representation or address enforcement. Capacity and timing constraints mean early sign up is important.
Horizon IP Scan: a free first line IP support service for SMEs in EU collaborative research projects
On 19 March 2021 the European Commission announced Horizon IP Scan. The service is a tailored, free of charge, first line intellectual property support offering aimed at European start ups and small and medium sized enterprises that participate in collaborative research and innovation projects funded under Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe. The service is pitched at the stage when SMEs are about to enter partnerships and face practical IP questions that could affect exploitation of project results.
What the service offers
Horizon IP Scan provides an individual assessment of an SME's intangible assets and hands on recommendations delivered in plain language. The primary aims are to show SMEs how to protect the IP they bring to a collaborative project and to assist SMEs and their partners in developing a shared strategy to manage and exploit any new IP generated during the project. The service is intended as first line IP support and practical guidance rather than comprehensive legal representation or enforcement action.
How the service is delivered
The service is managed by a central coordination team that draws on a network of experienced local IP experts covering all EU Member States and Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe associated countries. Successful applicants are matched with the appropriate local expert or experts. Delivery typically follows three steps. A preparation phase with a pre interview is followed by a main interview conducted either in person or online. The final step is a written report with recommendations.
Eligibility and timing
The service targets European start ups and SMEs under the European Commission definition. Eligible applicants are those about to sign a Horizon Grant Agreement or who have signed one within the previous six months. SMEs signposted by the Horizon Results Booster can be supported up to the midpoint of the project duration. SMEs referred by the Enterprise Europe Network for planned cooperation on a research and innovation project are eligible up to six months after the project start, but the Commission indicates a preference to intervene before any agreement is signed.
| Route of access | Who is eligible | Timing window |
| Direct application | European start ups and SMEs about to sign or recently signed a Horizon Grant Agreement | Up to six months after signature or before signing where possible |
| Horizon Results Booster referral | SMEs signposted by Horizon Results Booster | Until half of project duration at maximum |
| Enterprise Europe Network referral | SMEs referred by EEN in view of planned cooperation on R and I projects | Up to six months after project start, preferably before any agreement is signed |
How to apply and practical details
The service runs under a continuous open call. SMEs can apply at any time through the Horizon IP Scan website. Applications are handled on a first come, first served basis. The service can be provided to a single SME applicant or, where appropriate, to a group of SMEs involved in the same collaborative research project. The language used will typically be the language of the applicant or English.
What the service can and cannot do
Horizon IP Scan is explicitly described as first line tailored support. It is designed to help SMEs increase IP awareness, identify protection options, draft joint strategies for exploitation and prevent potential conflicts. The service will help SMEs improve their plans for exploitation and dissemination and to leverage innovation capacity. However the service has limits. It is advisory and designed for early stage questions. It does not replace dedicated outside counsel for complex transactions, in depth freedom to operate analyses, patent prosecution, licensing negotiations or enforcement litigation. The press material also indicates capacity constraints because of the first come, first served approach and the finite pool of matched local experts.
A measured reading of the announcement is warranted. Free advisory services are valuable for capacity building but they often do not cover extended legal work or dispute resolution. Timing is critical for IP in collaborations and the six month windows or project midpoint limits may be too narrow for some consortia. The first come, first served approach may privilege organisations that are already better connected or more alert to Commission services. Language and local practice differences may also affect the depth of advice delivered.
Why this matters for SMEs and the EU innovation ecosystem
Intellectual property is a practical as well as a legal asset. For SMEs joining multi partner research projects, weak IP management creates risks to commercialisation, dilutes value sharing and raises the chance of conflict. The Commission is seeking to tackle that gap with a low cost and widely available advisory service. For the EU innovation ecosystem the service is consistent with broader policy goals to increase technology transfer, to reduce frictions in collaborative research and to help SMEs extract value from publicly funded R and I. The success of the measure will depend on uptake, the quality of matching, and on how effectively the service can channel SMEs that need deeper legal help to affordable follow up solutions.
SMEs should treat Horizon IP Scan as a useful, early stage checkpoint. To get the most from the service companies should apply early, prepare documentation about the IP they bring into a project, and be ready to act on recommendations. Projects with significant commercial stakes should plan in parallel for formal legal advice and budget for it where necessary.
Practical checklist for SMEs before applying
1. Gather a concise inventory of your existing intangible assets including inventions, software, know how and trademarks. 2. Prepare a short description of the planned collaboration, key partners and timelines. 3. Identify the deadline for grant agreement signature or the project start date so you comply with eligibility windows. 4. Decide whether you want the assessment in your national language or in English and check whether your partners can be included in a group application. 5. Budget for further paid legal or patent work if the IP Scan recommendations point to prosecution, licensing or enforcement steps.
For full details on the service, the Guide for Applicants, privacy statements and to submit a request visit the Horizon IP Scan website or email contact@horizon-ipscan.eu.
Publication date 19 March 2021. This article restructures and contextualises the European Commission announcement. The Horizon IP Scan service materials are available on the European Commission and EISMEA web pages.