The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) launched the SME Fund 2026, a grant scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises, on 2 February 2026 with a total budget of €60 million.
The initiative is designed to reduce the cost of obtaining intellectual property (IP) protection for SMEs established in the European Union. It continues a programme first introduced in 2021 and reflects the EU’s broader objective of facilitating access to formal IP rights for smaller businesses.
The fund operates through a voucher-based reimbursement system covering a range of IP-related activities. Eligible SMEs may obtain partial reimbursement for trademark and design applications at EU, national and regional level, as well as for patent-related costs and plant variety protection. The scheme also includes support for IP Scan services, which provide a structured assessment of a company’s intangible assets and IP strategy.
Reimbursement rates vary by category but can reach up to 75% for most registration fees and up to 90% for IP Scan services, subject to defined financial caps. Eligibility is limited to SMEs as defined under EU law, based on staff headcount, turnover and balance sheet thresholds, and applicants must be established in the European Union and engaged in economic activity. Self-employed individuals and certain foundations may also qualify, provided they meet the applicable criteria.
The fund does not apply retroactively, and costs incurred before a voucher is granted are not eligible. Vouchers must be activated and used within specified time limits, failing which they expire. Previous editions of the SME Fund have been characterised by strong demand, with funding allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. A significant proportion of beneficiaries in earlier years accessed formal IP protection for the first time, particularly for trademarks and designs. Against this background, SMEs considering participation in the 2026 edition are expected to benefit from early preparation and timely submission of applications, especially for patent and plant variety vouchers, which have historically been exhausted rapidly.
