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SME Fund 2026: Grants for SMEs
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 
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).
All vouchers (1–5) are now available
From 5 November, you can once again apply for all vouchers and take advantage of the funding opportunities. As funds are allocated on a "first come, first served" basis, we recommend that you submit your application as early as possible. So make the most of this opportunity and apply for your funding in good time.
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 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 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.
- Voucher 5 – Protection for indications of origin for artisanal and industrial products provides funding of up to 2,000 euros towards: national application fees charged by the competent authorities of EU Member States; direct registration fees payable to the EUIPO for products originating in Member States where no national phase applies; costs associated with drawing up the product specification, provided that the CIGI application has been duly submitted.
Voucher 5 is available to eligible applicants involved in the protection of artisanal and industrial geographical indications, including producer groups with at least one SME as a member, individual producers classified as SMEs, and, where applicable, local or regional authorities or private bodies designated by the Member States.
Full details of the application process, including step-by-step instructions, is available at EUIPO website. Applications can only be submitted online.
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Pictures: EUIPO
Last updated: 5 November 2026
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