SME Fund 2026

SME Fund 2026 is sponsored by European Union Intellectual Property Office. Helps EU-based SMEs protect their intellectual property rights through financial support for IP activities.

service navigation and search service navigation and search Information, service und knowledge Database for online searches on patent publications from around the world Official Publications and Register for patents, utility models, trade marks and designs Good reasons for a Patent Application at the DPMA Opposition and Revocation Protection Outside Germany Protection Outside Germany Examination, Registration and Renewal Opposition and Cancellation Trade Mark Protection Abroad Classification and product specification Examination and Registration Customer Care and Services IP rights briefly explained Information pages for SME verschachtelte row raus --> verschachtelter Container raus --> Customer Care and Services IP rights briefly explained Information pages for SME 5 good reasons for intellectual property 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) 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.

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.

New from 30 June: 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 . DPMA IP Hub: Information on intellectual property rights The German Patent and Trade Mark Office’s new LinkedIn channel offers start-ups, entrepreneurs, SMEs and anyone interested in innovation practical advice and the latest information on patents, trade marks, designs and innovation.

Follow our new DPMA IP Hub now! Last updated: 17 July 2026 Information pages for SME Not only protecting innovations