Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are once again being offered a valuable opportunity to secure financial support for protecting their intellectual property assets. The SME Fund programme – an initiative of the European Commission implemented by EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) – launches on 2 February 2026 with a new round of subsidies.
Effective protection of intellectual property rights represents a strategic investment for every business. Research conducted by EUIPO and the European Patent Office demonstrates that enterprises protecting their trademarks, patents and industrial designs generate 23.8% higher revenue per employee compared to competitors who neglect this critical aspect.
The funding is available to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises with headquarters in the European Union. The beneficiary group includes both companies with employees and sole proprietorships. An application can be submitted by the owner, an authorized employee, or a representative acting on behalf of the enterprise – there is no obligation to engage intermediaries or patent agents.
In 2026, the programme offers four distinct vouchers tailored to different intellectual property protection needs:
A comprehensive assessment of threats and opportunities in your company’s IP protection landscape.
Reimbursement: 90% of service costs, maximum 1,080 EUR
Decidedly the most popular voucher among Polish SMEs.
Reimbursement: up to 700 EUR, covering 75% of filing fees for national protection (Polish Patent Office, EU member state offices) and EU-wide protection (EUIPO)
Additional: 50% of fees for international trademark registrations (WIPO)
For enterprises investing in innovative technical solutions.
Reimbursement: up to 3,500 EUR, covering 75% of patent filing fees at national and European levels (EPO), plus 50% of legal service costs
Also includes support for prior art searches in selected countries
Specialized funding for the agrigenomics and biotechnology sectors.
Reimbursement: up to 1,500 EUR, covering 75% of filing fees with the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO)
Understanding the mechanism of the fund is crucial:
Step 1: Submit Your Application Before Filing
Your application for a voucher must be submitted before making any filing with a patent or trademark office. Initiating the filing procedure before receiving notification of voucher approval may result in your ineligibility for funding.
Step 2: Receive Your Voucher and Make Your Filing
Once your voucher is granted, you have a limited timeframe to file your application. The voucher remains valid for 1 month from issuance, with the possibility of extending it for an additional 1 month upon request submitted before the original deadline expires. You must pay all official fees from your own resources during this period.
Step 3: Submit Your Reimbursement Request
After filing your trademark or design application with the office and paying the filing fees, resume your procedure on the Ideas Powered for Business – SME Fund platform to submit your reimbursement request.
Step 4: Receive Your Money
The subsidy is transferred directly to the bank account specified in your applications – straightforward, efficient, and without intermediaries.
A fundamental principle of the programme is that applicants first cover all official fees from their own financial resources, with the grant representing reimbursement of a portion of expenses incurred. This means you must have the cash available to finance your filing before receiving the grant.
Example – filing one trademark
Your company plans to register a trademark with EUIPO in two classes of goods. Official fees will amount to 900 EUR. After your voucher is granted, you file your application and pay the full amount. Subsequently, you receive a 75% reimbursement – that is, 675 EUR – directly to your business account.
Example – filing two trademarks
If you plan to protect both the name and logo of your products (which requires separate filings), both in two classes. The total cost of filing both trademarks will be 1,800 EUR. Within your granted funding, you will recover the maximum voucher amount, which is 700 EUR.
To take advantage of the 2026 SME Fund subsidy, remember that your application for a voucher must be submitted before you file your trademark, industrial design, or invention. Only after your voucher is granted can you proceed to file with the patent office.
The process of applying for a grant is simpler than you might think:
Create an account on the Ideas Powered for Business – SME Fund portal and log into your profile.
Complete the online form, attaching the required documents:
Bank statement with company details (company name, IBAN number with country code, and BIC/SWIFT code) – sample document
Business registration confirmation (e.g., VAT payer status or tax identification number) – template
If submitting an application through a representative – a declaration signed by the SME owner or employee declaration form
Receive your grant award and voucher. The EUIPO typically issues its decision within approximately 15 working days.
Upon receiving your voucher, file your trademark, design, or invention with the appropriate IP office and pay the required official fees.
Within one month of the voucher issuance date, fill our and submit the reimbursement form – this is called voucher activation. You may extend this deadline for an additional 1 month if you request such an extension before the first month expires.
After voucher activation, you have 6 months to submit further reimbursement requests for expenses incurred, such as registration or publication fees at the patent office.
The procedure is so transparent that most entrepreneurs manage it independently without specialist assistance.
Application period: From 2 February 2026 until funds are exhausted. In previous years, funds ran out in early autumn.
The European Commission has allocated specific budgets for this year’s edition – the order of submission matters.
Detailed information is available through the following channels:
Programme website: https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/sme-corner/sme-fund/2026
FAQ section on the official SME Fund website – answers to frequently asked questions
The SME Fund represents concrete, accessible support for protecting your company’s innovation and brand. A reimbursement of up to 75% of filing costs provides meaningful relief to your company’s budget. However, remember three critical points:
Your application must precede your filing – you cannot receive funds if you have filed a trademark or design with an office before receiving your funding voucher.
Vouchers have limited validity periods – you will forfeit your right to funding if you fail to file your trademark or design within the timeframe specified on your voucher.
Self-financing is necessary – the fund reimburses a portion of costs but does not finance them upfront.
Remember that support from the SME Fund is an excellent opportunity to reduce the costs of intellectual property protection – this applies to both national and EU-wide registrations of trademarks, designs, or inventions.
Don’t delay – funding for protecting your intellectual property is waiting – first come, first served!
👉 Already have a voucher and need help filing a trademark or industrial design? Get in touch with us and ask for our offer!