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SME Fund 2026: Grants for SMEs

4 vouchers

This year, the European Commission is once again supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in protecting their intellectual property with the SME Fund. The programme is implemented and administered by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Further information is available on the externer Link EUIPO website.

1. Register on the SME Fund website and submit your application
2. Wait for the EUIPO's grant decision (voucher)
3. Activate the voucher
4. Then: Apply for a patent, trademark, design or variety, or arrange an IP scan appointment or prior art search and carry it out within the deadline specified by the EUIPO
5. Submit a reimbursement application with the original invoice/proof of costs to the EUIPO in the SME Fund user area

The underlying definition of an SME is: an independent enterprise with a maximum of 250 employees, a turnover not exceeding 50 million euros, or a balance sheet total not exceeding 43 million euros (see European Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC).

Voucher 3 (Patents) is still available – apply for funding now

The SME Fund 2026 continues to offer small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) financial support for patent applications, prior art searches and other patent-related services. With Voucher 3, you can reduce the costs of protecting your innovations and strengthen your company’s competitiveness. Demand for this funding is high. As funds are allocated on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and the available budget is steadily dwindling, we recommend applying at an early stage. Seize this opportunity and apply for funding in good time, whilst funds are still available.

Vouchers 1 (IP scan) and 2 (trademarks and designs) are currently unavailable and cannot be applied for.

Vouchers

Overview of vouchers – click on the graphic to enlarge

  • Voucher 1 – IP scan: 90 per cent of the costs of an IP scan are subsidised, up to a maximum of € 1,620. In Germany, the maximum subsidy is currently € 1,440. Please note: The IP scan can only be carried out by accredited IP service providers who are subject to constant quality control. In Germany, these are selected externer Link Patent Information Centres (PIZ). IP scan enforcement is not offered in Germany.
  • Voucher 2 – Trademarks and designs: Costs for national or EU-wide trademark or design registration are subsidised at 75 per cent, up to a maximum of € 700. Costs for international trademark and design registrations are subsidised at 50 per cent, up to a maximum of € 700.
  • Voucher 3 – Patents: Costs for state-of-the-art searches are subsidised up to a maximum of € 1,000. (Only invoices from accredited IP service providers are recognised as eligible for funding. In Germany, these are selected externer Link Patent Information Centres (PIZ)). Fees for national or European patent applications are subsidised at 75 per cent, up to a maximum of € 1,000. Legal costs for drafting and filing European patent applications are subsidised at 50 per cent, up to a maximum of € 1,500.
  • Voucher 4 – Plant variety protection: Costs for online registration and examination fees at the CPVO at EU level are subsidised at 75 per cent, up to a maximum of € 1,500.
Woman in overalls and lettering ‘Protect your ideas. Secure your future.’

Full details of the application process, including step-by-step instructions, is available at externer Link EUIPO website. Applications can only be submitted online.

Pictures: EUIPO

Last updated: 8 June 2026