The criteria for the 2023 Patent Call - which will be issued shortly - have been approved, with an allocation of €2.5 million to ensure the development and protection of the business system's innovative capacity.

The support provided is a non-repayable grant equal to 80% of the flat-rate costs, which will vary depending on the type of patent:

• €5,680 for filing a patent application or extension in Europe (including the new European patent option with unitary effect which came into force on 1 June 2023);
• €7,200 for a new patent or international extension.

The grant increases to 90% of the flat-rate costs, reaching €6,390 for a European patent and €8,100 for an international patent for those who obtain an environmental, energy, process, or product certification.

The call is aimed at freelancers and SMEs throughout the region. Interventions must be implemented and have an impact in Lombardy, providing added value within the priorities set out by the Lombardy Region's Smart Specialisation Strategy for Research and Innovation. Projects must be completed and reported within 24 months of the grant being awarded.

For further information, click here.