The SME Fund 2026 – Ideas Powered for Business is a grant program promoted by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and co-financed by the European Commission, whose objective is to support European SMEs in the protection of their Intellectual Property (IP) assets.
The program allows to significantly reduce the costs associated with the registration of:
Brands
Designs
Patents
Community Plant Varieties
as well as to IP strategic analysis (IP Scan).
To boost the innovation, competitiveness and growth of European SMEs by facilitating access to legal protection of their intangible assets at national, European and international level.
They can apply for these grants:
SMEs established in the European Union, as defined by the European Commission:
< 250 employees, and
Turnover ≤ 50 M€ or balance sheet ≤ 43 M€.
Self-employed workers, provided they can prove economic activity.
Private foundations, provided that less than 25% of their capital is in the hands of public entities.
Opening of the call for proposals:
📅 February 2, 2026
Closing:
📅 Until funds are exhausted.
Granting:
In strict order of application
The call is structured in four independent vouchers:
Eligible services
IP Scan: strategic analysis of Industrial Property assets
IP Scan Enforcement: expert advice on potential infringement cases
Intensity of support
Reimbursement: 90
Maximum amount: 1,620 €.
National, regional and EU coverage
Request
Additional classes
Examination
Registration
Publication
Postponement of publication
👉 75 % reimbursement
👉 Maximum total amount: up to 700 €.
International coverage
Trademarks (Madrid System – WIPO)
Designs (Hague System – WIPO)
Includes basic and designation fees (including EU/EUIPO)
👉 50% refund
⚠️ Home office fees are not subsidized.
National patents
Official application fees
Search reports
Review, publication and award (where applicable)
👉 75% reimbursement
👉 Maximum amount: 1.000 €.
European Patents (EPO)
Filing fees and EPO search fees
👉 75% reimbursement
👉 Maximum amount: 1.000 €.
Legal costs (European patents)
Drafting and submission by professional representative to the EPO
👉 50% reimbursement
👉 Maximum amount: 1,500 €.
Maximum total patent amount (EU + legal costs): 2,500 €.
Eligible items
Online application fees
CPVO Examination Fees
👉 75 % reimbursement
👉 Maximum amount: up to €1,500
Renewals of Industrial Property rights
Expenses incurred before the voucher was issued
Expenses not directly linked to registration or IP services included in the call for proposals
If you are interested in managing a call with the support of BIOIB, we are here to help you. Complete this form and we will contact you to offer our assistance throughout the process.
