What is the SME Fund 2026?
The Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund is a European grant designed to help EU-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) protect their intellectual property (IP) rights. This initiative is a collaboration between the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the European Commission, and the European Union Intellectual Property Network (EUIPN), and aims to foster growth and innovation across the EU.
Each year a certain pull of financial support is being created and SMEs across EU can apply for funding their national, European or international trademark protection. The SME FUND program reimburses up to 75% of trademark and design registration fees of the relevant national or international office up to certain predetermined amount.
Who Can Apply for SME Fund 2026?
The SME Fund provides financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the European Union (EU) for the protection of their intellectual property (IP) rights.
In order to benefit from the program your company must cover the following:
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EU -based company, meaning registered in one member-state.
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Have less than 250 employees
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Your company annual turnover must be less than € 50 million
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Your company annual balance sheet must total less than € 43 million.
How Much Can You Save with SME Fund 2026?
Example: EU Trademark registration via EUIPO
The registration fees to protect your trademark on EU level in all 27 member-states by applying for European Trademark via European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) will start from 850 euro. Using the SME FUND program, you will get 75% off from those fees, meaning your investment for protecting your brand in all 27 member-states will start from 213 euro! An incredible possibility for growth used by more than 75 000 small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs across EU.
The program can also be used for national registration and works the same way.
How funds are granted under SME Fund 2026?
Funding is granted on a first come, first served basis until all available financial resources have been used. Early application is of great importance.
If you plan to secure or expand your intellectual property in 2026, timely information is critical.
Join IPSTRATEG’s early‑access alert list and get immediate notification the moment the Fund officially opens and gain competitive advantage.
How SME FUND Works
An example with European Trademark registration via EUIPO
Eligibility Check
verification of SME status and qualification for the fund.
SME Fund voucher application
gathering all required documents and submitting the application for reimbursement approval.
Voucher Issuance
the funding is officially reserved.
EU Trademark application
filing of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Voucher activation and reimbursement submission
compliance check and claim submission.
Reimbursement received
75% of EUIPO official fees paid are reimbursed back to the back account of the applicant.
Are You Ready to Apply?
Take the 30‑Second Readiness Check
Is your brand ready for protection?
Before applying for finacial support ask yourself:
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Is your brand name recognizable, or are you working to make it known?
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Does your brand represent your reputation, trust, and identity?
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Are you planning to grow, seek investment, or expand into new markets?
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Would it hurt your business if someone else owns your name, logo, or product identity?
If your answer is YES to any of the above, now is the time to protect your brand!
Why registering your trademark
A brand is legally strong when it is registered as trademark and successfully prevents others from using the same or similar sign (mark) for the same or similar goods and/or services. This means that the brand is recognized as a unique and distinguishable identifier of the products or services it represents and is protected against unauthorized use by others.
Registered trademark gives you exclusive rights to operate and the ability to prevent registration of identical or similar signs. More, if someone uses your trademark without your consent, you can take legal action. Trademark protection is the most effective tool against unfair competition.
Registered trademark provides 10 years of legal protection and can be renewed indefinitely.
How IPSTRATEG Helps You Apply for SME Fund 2026
We’ll guide you step by step from checking your eligibility to registering your trademark and securing your EU grant.
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Quick eligibility check
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Full support with the SME Fund application
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Trademark registration done right, fast and stress-free
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Ongoing advice to make sure your brand is fully protected
Most clients are ready to file within days and get reimbursed in a month.
Connect with us for a free 15-minute consultation: