UKIPO IP Advance Scheme

By Dr Elliott Davies & Ashleigh Kirs on 22/10/26

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) has launched the IP Advance scheme to help start-ups and SMEs evaluate, protect and maximise the value of their Intellectual Property (IP) in the form of an IP Audit. The initiative is designed to support businesses advance their IP strategy and better understand how IP can contribute to long-term business growth.

This type of scheme isn’t new - the UKIPO and its regional partners have partnered to provide these types of IP Audit programs for many years.

What is the IP Advance scheme?

Essentially, the UKIPO partners with regional organisations, including Innovate UK, Business Growth in England, Welsh Government, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, and Invest Northern Ireland, to provide the funding for an IP Audit. Under the scheme, eligible businesses can receive up to £2,250 in grant funding, with the participating business contributing £750. The audit seeks to provide an overview of a company’s IP position and provide expert advice. This covers all types of IP, such as copyright, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), designs, trademarks and patents.

An IP Audit typically involves:

- identifying existing IP assets;

- advising on areas for developing IP;

- assessing protection strategies for not only the UK, but internationally; and

- identifying risks and areas for development.

The business will typically receive a detailed report containing high quality advice for managing their portfolio. More information on how Innovation UK supports businesses with their IP via the IP Audit scheme can be found here.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for the scheme, a business must apply through one of the regional partners and meet the following criteria:

- be a UK-registered trading business;

- have fewer than 250 employees;

- contribute £750 towards the audit cost; and

- demonstrate that IP currently is, or will be essential for business growth.

Details of the scheme, including suitable business sectors are listed on gov.uk here.

What are the benefits of an IP Audit?

IP Audits can be an extremely useful and cost-effective tool for a business to grow and strengthen their market position by harvesting existing and prospective IP to develop a strong innovative culture and encourage commercial growth. A well-managed IP portfolio has several benefits:

- increased financial value and attractiveness to investors;

- creation of alternative revenue streams, such as licensing opportunities;

- increased protection from competitors and unintended actions of employees, customers and suppliers; and

- provision of defined processes for capturing innovation.

Final Comments

Wynne-Jones IP has a wealth of experience with carrying out these types of IP audits and are able to advise you on how best to manage and develop your IP portfolio for any size of business.

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