Small and medium-sized enterprises can still receive EU funding this year to protect their inventions, trade marks and designs. Applications to the "SME Fund 2026" of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) can be submitted until 4 December 2026, as long as funds are available.
For patents, the fund offers the following support: for a national patent application, for example at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, 75 % of the official fees, including search and examination, are reimbursed up to EUR 1,000. For a European patent application, 75 % of the filing and search fees are reimbursed up to EUR 1,000, plus 50 % of the attorney costs for drafting and filing the application up to EUR 1,500. In addition, there is support for trade marks and designs (up to EUR 700) and for an "IP Scan", a consultation on the company's IP strategy.
The fund is open to SMEs established in the EU, i.e. companies with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of up to EUR 50 million or a balance sheet total of up to EUR 43 million. Self-employed persons can also apply.
Important: The funding must be applied for and granted before the patent application is filed or the fees are paid. Costs incurred beforehand cannot be reimbursed. As funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, early action is recommended. If you are planning a patent application, we will be happy to support you, including with the funding application.
Source: European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) – SME Fund 2026
https://www.euipo.europa.eu/en/sme-corner/sme-fund/2026