Funding for trademarks and industrial designs – SME Fund 2026 for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises
On February 2, 2026, the next edition of “The Ideas Powered for Business SME Fund” program was launched. Thanks to it, micro, small, and medium-sized entrepreneurs can once again apply for vouchers enabling them to recover the costs incurred for the registration of trademarks and industrial designs. Find out what you need to do to take advantage of the funding.
Create an account on the dedicated EUIPO platform
Applications for funding are submitted via an individual SME Fund account on the dedicated EUIPO platform. If an entrepreneur has used the program in previous editions, they can use their existing account. If not, they must register.
There is no obstacle to a professional representative submitting an application for funding on behalf of an entrepreneur using their SME Fund account.
Complete the necessary documents
As in previous editions, the grant application must be accompanied only by an extract from the applicant’s company bank account (containing details such as: the name and logo of the bank, the name of the account holder, the full IBAN number with the country code and BIC/SWIFT code) and a certificate confirming VAT payer status.
Select the voucher you want to use and send your application
Entrepreneurs can apply for vouchers to cover, among other things, the costs of applying for trademark and industrial design protection. The program provides for:
- a 75% refund of fees for applications made under national, regional, and EU procedures;
- a 50% refund of fees for applications submitted under the international procedure through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The maximum amount of funding is EUR 700.
Please note! Applications can be submitted from February 2, 2026, to December 4, 2026, or until funds are exhausted.
Redeem your voucher and wait for your trademark to be registered
After receiving your voucher (never before!), you must apply for a trademark/industrial design at the appropriate office (e.g., the Polish Patent Office, EUIPO, WIPO). You must first pay for the application yourself. Then activate the voucher (within 1 month of its award, with the option to extend it for another month) and submit a request for reimbursement using the form available in your individual SME Fund account.
Please note! If the trademark is not registered, the application fee is not refundable. Therefore, before applying for a trademark, it is advisable to verify that there are no obstacles to registration.
Why is it worth taking advantage of the subsidy?
Participation in the SME Fund program offers a number of real benefits. First and foremost:
- you gain protection for your trademark/design for up to 10 years,
- you save up to EUR 700 in registration costs,
- you strengthen the value and security of your brand.
If you want to take advantage of the subsidy, we will be happy to help you through the entire process: from analysis, through application, to settlement of the voucher.
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