On 2 February 2026, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), with the support of the European Commission and national IP offices, officially launched the SME Fund 2026.
Now in its sixth year, the SME Fund continues to provide voucher-based financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the EU, helping them protect and enforce their intellectual property (IP) rights.
What does the SME Fund cover?
The 2026 SME Fund offers reimbursement for a wide range of IP-related costs through four dedicated vouchers:
- Voucher 1 – IP Scan and IP Scan Enforcement
Up to 90% reimbursement
Covers professional IP diagnostics and enforcement-focused IP scans. - Voucher 2 – Trademarks and designs
Up to 75% reimbursement
Applies to application fees for national, EU and regional trademarks and designs. - Voucher 3 – Patents
Up to 75% reimbursement
Covers selected patent-related costs, including filing and search fees. - Voucher 4 – Community Plant Varieties
75% reimbursement
Supports applications for EU plant variety rights.
Strong uptake and proven impact
Since its launch in 2021, the SME Fund has supported more than 100,000 SMEs. Notably, almost 80% of applicants are first-time IP users, highlighting the Fund’s role in encouraging businesses to take their first steps in protecting innovation and brands.
In 2025 alone, the SME Fund assisted over 33,000 SMEs, distributing grants totalling nearly €29 million.
Why it matters
For many SMEs, cost remains a key barrier to securing IP protection. The SME Fund helps bridge this gap, enabling businesses to:
- identify and manage IP assets strategically,
- protect brands and innovations at an early stage, and
- strengthen their competitive position in the EU market.
Further details on eligibility criteria, application deadlines and procedures are available on the EUIPO website.
If you are interested in knowing more about the SME Fund, eligibility, or how to make the most of the available vouchers, we are happy to assist you.
