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SME Fund

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SME Fund 2025: New opportunities for SMEs

This year, the European Commission is once again supporting small and medium-sized enterprises in applying for industrial property rights. Further information can be found at externer Link SME Fund (EUIPO website).
The SME Fund is a European Commission initiative implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

Voucher 3 (patents) no longer available since Wednesday, 18/06/2025

The funds for voucher 2 of the SME Fund, with which small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could apply for grants of up to 1,000 euros for prior art searches and/or consulting services associated with a patent application in the amount of 1,500 euros, have currently been used up. The remaining vouchers (1 for IP scans, 2 for trade marks and designs and 4 for Community plant variety rights) can still be applied for.

Please follow this sequence if you would like to submit an application:
1. register and apply on the externer Link website of the SME Fund
2. wait for the grant decision from the EU IPO
3. apply for a patent, trademark, design or patent or carry out an IP scan appointment or prior art search
4. submit a request for reimbursement

Vouchers

Gutscheine: IP-Scan bis 1.350 Euro, Marken und Designs bis 1.000 Euro

The vouchers at a glance - click on the graphic to enlarge

These vouchers can be applied for in 2025:

  • Voucher 1 - IP Scan: IP scan costs at 90%, maximum 1,350 euros. An IP scan is a comprehensive consultation aimed specifically at making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to start protecting and strategically using their intellectual property (IP). The aim is to assess existing intellectual property, identify risks and highlight opportunities to improve the IP strategy.
  • Voucher 2 - Trademarks and designs: National and EU-wide trademark and design applications at 75%, international trademark and design applications at 50%. Maximum up to 700 euros
  • Voucher 3 - Patents: "Prior art" search, national and European patent application fees at 75%, maximum up to 1,000 euros. Patent attorney fees for the preparation of a European patent application at 50% up to 1,500 euros. (A "prior art" search should be carried out before filing a patent application to check whether your idea for a technical invention is new and has not yet been filed for a patent or utility model).
  • Voucher 4 - Plant variety protection rights: Online plant variety protection applications and examination fee at the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) at 75%. Maximum up to 1,500 euros

Further information can be found on the externer Link website of the EUIPO.

Bilder: EUIPO

Last updated: 17 July 2025