EUIPO launches another edition of the SME Fund 2026 funding programme – another opportunity for entrepreneurs to protect intellectual property!

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), as part of an initiative of the European Commission, traditionally opens another edition of the Fund for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises – SME Fund 2026. The call for applications for the new round of financial support started on 2 February 2026 and will remain open until the budget is exhausted or until 4 December 2026. Experience from previous editions shows that the available funds are used up quickly, therefore it is advisable not to delay.

What is the SME Fund?

The SME Fund is a support instrument for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the European Union, aimed at partially reimbursing costs related to the protection and management of intellectual property. In 2026, entrepreneurs will again be able to apply for support covering various IP-related activities, in line with the “first come, first served” principle.

Scope of support in the 2026 edition

The Fund operates on the basis of a voucher system enabling reimbursement of costs incurred for various intellectual property-related activities:

• IP Scan – a preliminary intellectual property diagnosis service and analysis of protection possibilities, with a high reimbursement rate (90%), up to a maximum of EUR 1,080;
• Trade marks and industrial designs – reimbursement of up to 75% of official fees, up to a maximum of EUR 700;
• Patents – reimbursement of part of the costs related to patent registration and documentation, up to EUR 3,500;
• Plant varieties – support for entities operating in the agricultural or research sector, reimbursement of up to EUR 1,500.

Full details regarding the scope and amount of funding may vary depending on the type of voucher.

Who can benefit and how to apply?

Support may be sought by enterprises classified as SMEs under the EU definition, i.e. employing fewer than 250 persons and with an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million. Reimbursement is granted after the costs have been incurred (in the form of a compensatory voucher), and applications are assessed in the order in which they are submitted.

In practice, the process includes:

1. Registration of the company profile in the EUIPO SME Fund system;
2. Submission of a voucher application in the selected category;
3. Implementation of IP-related activities after receiving the grant;
4. Submission of documents confirming the incurred fees and receipt of reimbursement to the company’s bank account.

Detailed guidelines on the application stages and the conditions for implementing the funding are available on the official EUIPO website (SME Corner).

Why is this important for SMEs?

The SME Fund programme represents a real opportunity for smaller enterprises to reduce the costs of entering formal intellectual property protection – whether for trade marks, industrial designs, inventions or IP Scan analytical services. In the context of growing competition and the need to secure unique business solutions, the possibility of reimbursing part of IP-related expenses can significantly lower the entry barrier and strengthen a company’s market position.