Fee reduction in Benelux design patent applications (SME Voucher)

As we all know, if a patent applicant wants to apply for a design patent application in the Netherlands, Belgium or Luxembourg, he must file it with the Benelux Intellectual Property Office.

The Benelux Union, formerly known as the Benelux Economic Union, is an alliance of three neighboring constitutional monarchies in Western Europe: the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The English name Benelux is a portmanteau consisting of the first two or three letters of the names of the three countries. In 1960, the Benelux Economic Union replaced the Customs Union. In 1955, the Benelux Parliament was established. Among the members of this transnational parliamentary deliberative organization, 21 are from the Dutch Parliament, 21 are from the Belgian Federal Parliament, and 7 are from the Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies.

On 17 June 2008, a new legal framework was signed to replace the original treaty of the union. The new treaty, the Treaty revising the Treaty establishing the Benelux Economic Union, is indefinite and changes the name of the Benelux Economic Union to the name of the Benelux Union to reflect the wider scope of cooperation under the union.

Patent applicants can apply for a trademark or design SME voucher from BOIP. One voucher can be used to apply for subsidies for multiple applications, up to 1,000 euros. Applicants must obtain a fee reduction of up to 75% for trademark registration and design applications at BOIP within 2 months after receiving the voucher, including:

• 75% reduction in EUIPO fees for trademarks or designs
• 75% reduction in trademark or design application fees in EU member states
• 50% reduction in fees for trademark or design registration at WIPO
• Other intellectual property consulting fees, such as IP Scan, new plant varieties, etc., are eligible for fee subsidies