EUIPO SME Fund 2026: Applications for Trademark and Design Vouchers Temporarily Closed
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has announced that applications for the most popular SME Fund 2026 vouchers will be temporarily suspended.
Which Vouchers Are Affected?
The temporary closure applies to:
- Voucher 1 – IP Scan and IP Scan Enforcement services
- Voucher 2 – Trademark and Design registration
These vouchers are particularly valuable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they can significantly reduce the cost of protecting intellectual property.
When Will Applications Close?
Applications will be suspended at the end of the working day on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
When Will Applications Reopen?
According to the current information, applications for Voucher 1 and Voucher 2 are expected to reopen in November 2026. The exact reopening date has not yet been confirmed and may be subject to change.
We will monitor official updates and inform our clients as soon as the application system becomes available again.
What Is the SME Fund?
The SME Fund is a European grant programme that helps eligible EU-based small and medium-sized enterprises reduce the cost of protecting their intellectual property.
For trademarks and designs, the programme typically reimburses a substantial part of the official filing fees, making brand and product protection significantly more affordable for startups and growing businesses.
Why This Matters
If your company is planning to register:
- a trademark in Latvia,
- a European Union trademark (EUTM), or
- a registered EU design (REUD),
the SME Fund can provide substantial financial support.
Because the available budget is limited, application periods may close quickly once demand is high.
We Will Keep You Informed
Agency ARNOPATENTS SIA regularly assists clients with:
- SME Fund applications,
- Trademark registration,
- Design registration,
- EUIPO filings.
If you are considering protecting your brand or product design, we recommend preparing in advance so that your application can be submitted promptly when the SME Fund reopens in November 2026.
The SME Fund is a unique opportunity for EU based 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.