Austria’s Patent Check Program: Up to EUR 10,000 in Patent Filing Subsidies for Startups and Innovators

Austria’s “Patent Check” Program — Supporting Innovation Through Patent Fee Subsidies

The Patent Check Program in Austria offers targeted financial support to help innovators, startups, and SMEs protect their inventions through patent applications. The program provides a grant of up to EUR 10,000, covering 80% of total patent filing costs, which are estimated at approximately EUR 12,500.

However, the Patent Check applies only to invention patents — utility models, trademarks, and design applications are not eligible under this scheme.

Who Can Apply

The program is open to:

• Technology-based startups
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and
• Individuals who can demonstrate a concrete intention to commercialize their project — for instance, founders establishing a company supported by an incubator, a startup center, or an AplusB Center.

Definition of SMEs

• According to EU standards, SMEs are entities with fewer than 250 employees, an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million, or total assets not exceeding EUR 43 million.

Administered by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)

• The Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) manages the Patent Check program in collaboration with the Austrian Patent Office (ATPO).
• It serves as a gateway to patent protection, designed especially for founders and inventors seeking to safeguard their research outcomes while minimizing financial burden.
• Through the program, FFG can subsidize up to 80% of patent application expenses, with a maximum grant of EUR 10,000.

Two-Stage Support Process

• Stage 1 – Patent Search Subsidy
  • Before requesting fee reduction, applicants must undergo a patent search conducted by the Austrian Patent Office (ATPO).
  • Search cost: EUR 1,710, FFG reimbursement: EUR 1,300 after completion of the search
  • This initial step provides inventors with an overview of the state of the art and helps determine whether proceeding to a full patent application is justified.
• Stage 2 – Consultation and Strategy Development
  • After the search, ATPO experts hold a consultation meeting with the applicant to review the research findings. At this stage, it becomes clear whether a patent filing should proceed.
  • If the applicant decides not to file, the subsidy process ends.
  • However, applicants may still work with experts to explore alternative protection strategies, such as trade secrets or design registrations, and may receive an additional EUR 1,300 subsidy for this advisory stage.

Why It Matters

• The Patent Check Program reflects Austria’s strong commitment to stimulating innovation and reducing financial barriers for inventors and startups.
• By combining expert assessment, financial support, and strategic guidance, it offers a pragmatic, low-risk entry point into the patent system.