EUIPO SME Fund 2026: How to Apply and Reduce Trademark and Design Costs
The SME Fund 2026 is a financial support programme designed to help small and medium-sized businesses protect their intellectual property. The grant is administered by the European Union Intellectual Property Office and provides reimbursement for trademark, design and patent registration costs.
For many businesses in Latvia and across the European Union, the SME Fund represents a practical opportunity to reduce the cost of protecting brands, product designs and innovations. This article explains who can apply, what costs are covered and how the application process works in 2026.
What Is the SME Fund 2026?
The SME Fund is a European grant scheme that reimburses part of the costs associated with intellectual property protection, including trademarks and designs. The programme is available to companies established in the European Union and Ukraine and aims to make intellectual property protection more accessible to smaller businesses.
Funding is provided in the form of vouchers, which are used to claim reimbursement after the intellectual property activity has been completed.
The programme opened on 2 February 2026 and is expected to run until 4 December 2026, although funding may be exhausted earlier because grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
How Much Funding Is Available in 2026?
The SME Fund 2026 offers several types of financial support depending on the type of intellectual property protection required.
Trademark and Design Protection
Businesses can receive:
- Up to 75% reimbursement of official fees
- Maximum support of €700 per company for trademarks and designs
This funding applies to:
- National trademark applications
- EU trademark applications
- International trademark registrations
- Design registrations
The reimbursement covers common official costs such as application, examination and registration fees.
Contact Agency Arnopatents for assistance with applications
The SME Fund is a unique opportunity for businesses to save on essential IP services. For many SMEs, this support significantly lowers the barrier to securing trademarks, designs, and expert IP advice – tools that are vital for long-term growth and protection against unfair competition.