Breaking news

EUIPO Says Only 13% Of Firms Use IP For Financing In EU

Overview Of The Report

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) published a report on intellectual property-backed financing in Europe. The analysis examines how intellectual property is used as a financial asset by companies. Findings show that intellectual property remains underutilized in securing financing despite its role in innovation.

Challenges In Commercializing Intellectual Assets

Trademarks, patents, and designs form a significant share of company value in innovation-driven sectors. Limited awareness among businesses and a lack of expertise among financial institutions constrain the use of these assets. Fragmented capital markets, regulatory differences, and structural barriers further limit the use of intellectual property as collateral.

Economic And Policy Implications

Intellectual property-intensive sectors account for 48% of EU GDP and 31% of total employment. Despite this, only 13% of companies with intellectual property have used it to access financing. João Negrão, Executive Director of EUIPO, said intellectual property connects innovation to market activity and requires stronger financial frameworks. Nathalie Berger, Director at the European Commission, noted that limited use of intangible assets contributes to a widening financing gap.

Unlocking A Multibillion-Euro Opportunity

EUIPO estimates intellectual property-backed financing could mobilize between €30 billion and €120 billion annually. Over ten years, this could reach up to €580 billion. Such funding could increase EU GDP by up to 4.2%, based on the report’s projections.

Future Steps For A Competitive Financial Ecosystem

The report calls for stronger integration between intellectual property management and financing systems. Policy initiatives, including the competitiveness compass and future EU funding frameworks, are expected to support this process. Improved valuation methods and coordination between stakeholders are identified as key factors for expanding access to financing.

Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter