Following a review of its 2024/25 pilot, the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) has announced a return to its well-established IP Audit scheme as the central support programme for innovative SMEs in 2025/26.

This shift comes after the UK IPO trialled the more flexible IP Advance pilot, which provided wider tiers of assistance to help businesses develop and commercialise their intellectual property strategies.

"The Intellectual Property Office remains committed to supporting innovative, high-growth SMEs across the UK — enabling them to manage, protect, and capitalise on their IP assets," the UK IPO stated.

What the IP Audit Scheme Offers

The relaunched scheme provides eligible SMEs with partial funding of £2,250 (including VAT) towards an in-depth intellectual property audit conducted by a qualified IP professional. Participating businesses contribute £750 (including VAT) towards the overall cost.

Successful applicants will receive:

• A bespoke IP Audit report with tailored recommendations

• Cost projections for implementing the advice

• A recommended timeline for action

• A follow-up consultation with an IP expert to review the findings

Delivered Through Regional Partners

The programme continues to be delivered exclusively through regional partners:

• Innovate UK Business Growth (England)

• Welsh Government

• Scottish Enterprise

• Highlands and Islands Enterprise

• South of Scotland Enterprise

• Invest Northern Ireland

All applications must be submitted via a Business Advisor from one of these organisations. The UK IPO has noted that applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and funding is not automatically guaranteed.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their regional partner directly, as details and processes may vary slightly by location. The UK IPO will not provide centralised information through GOV.UK to ensure region-specific advice stays accurate.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, SMEs must:

• Be actively engaged with a business support programme through one of the regional partners

• Show clear potential to benefit from specialist IP management support

Contact Information for Regional Partners

Interested SMEs can get started by reaching out to their regional contact points:

• England: Innovate UK Business Growth — contact@innovateukbg.ukri.org

• Scotland:

  • Scottish Enterprise: Contact Us or IPTeam@scotent.co.uk

  • Highlands and Islands: General Enquiries

  • South of Scotland: South of Scotland Enterprise

• Northern Ireland: Invest Northern Ireland — tau-ip@investni.com

• Wales: Welsh Government — intellectual.property.information@gov.wales or visit Business Wales