SME Fund 2026 to protect your intellectual property activities
The Challenge
The SME Fund provides financial support in the form of vouchers that reimburse part of the costs associated with intellectual property (IP) activities. The scheme operates under the Ideas Powered for Business initiative and helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to protect and develop their IP rights. Partial reimbursements are given after eligible IP services are paid for.
The types of vouchers typically offered include:
- Support for IP Scan services and IP strategy diagnostics
- Trade mark and design protection
- Patent protection
- Community plant variety protection
The reimbursements can be a significant percentage of eligible IP fees (e.g., up to approximately 90% for some services, 75% for many IP filings and up to 50% for international extensions).
Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and the fund runs within a defined window.
Who can apply?
- The SME Fund is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including micro-enterprises, based in EU Member States and Ukraine (under conditions of territorial control).
- Applicants must meet the EU definition of an SME, generally meaning fewer than 250 employees and limited turnover/assets.
- The application can be submitted by:
- The business owner
- An employee of the SME
- An authorised representative acting on behalf of the SME
Background
The SME Fund is part of efforts by EUIPO, in cooperation with the European Commission’s Single Market Programme and national IP offices, to encourage more SMEs to use and protect intellectual property. Historically, many SMEs do not register or manage IP rights due to cost barriers, even though IP protection can improve competitiveness and growth.
The scheme was first introduced to support economic recovery during crises (such as after the COVID-19 pandemic) and has continued due to strong uptake and positive impact. It aims to ensure that smaller companies do not reduce investment in IP portfolios and that they can strengthen their market position.
