What Is the SME Fund Programme? A Simple Guide for EU SMEs
Learn what the SME Fund is, how trade mark vouchers work, who can apply and what businesses should know about the 2026 and future calls.
The SME Fund is a European Commission initiative implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). It helps eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recover part of certain costs linked to intellectual property, including trade marks and designs. The scheme is often called the Ideas Powered for business SME Fund.
It is a reimbursement programme, not an automatic discount at checkout. An SME applies for a voucher, waits for the grant decision, completes eligible IP activities, pays the relevant fees and then submits a reimbursement request. If approved, the reimbursement is paid to the SME’s bank account.
What can the SME Fund help pay for?
Each annual call sets its own vouchers, rates, eligible activities, limits and deadlines. In the 2026 call, Voucher 2 covered eligible trade mark and design fees at national, regional and EU level, with reimbursement of up to 75%. EUIPO listed a maximum of €700 per beneficiary for trade mark and design activities. Other vouchers covered IP Scan services, patents and Community plant varieties.
The precise amount depends on the activity and the fees that qualify under the call. The grant does not necessarily cover every cost of preparing or filing a trade mark. Always check the current EUIPO SME Fund page and the official trade marks and designs voucher rules.
Who can apply?
The 2026 scheme was open to eligible SMEs established in the European Union and Ukraine. An owner, authorised employee or authorised external representative could submit the application. The business must meet the applicable SME definition and provide the documents requested in the call. Being based in an eligible country alone does not guarantee approval.
The official EUIPO SME Fund FAQ explains the eligibility requirements and supporting documents. Because annual calls can change, check the rules for the specific year in which you plan to apply.
How does the reimbursement process work?
1. Check your business and planned activity
Confirm that your company meets the SME definition and that the trade mark activity you plan to undertake is covered by the current call. Decide where you need protection: for example, in one country or across the European Union.
2. Apply for a voucher
Submit the SME Fund application with the required company and bank details. Wait for EUIPO’s grant decision. A voucher is not confirmed until you receive that decision.
3. Complete the eligible activity after approval
Follow the voucher’s activation period and the call’s instructions. For the 2026 trade mark and design voucher, EUIPO required applicants to receive a positive grant decision before starting the activity they wanted reimbursed.
4. Request reimbursement
After paying eligible fees, submit the reimbursement request through your SME Fund account and provide the requested proof. EUIPO pays an approved reimbursement directly to the SME’s bank account. The voucher has deadlines, so keep track of its expiry date.
Is the 2026 trade mark voucher still available?
As of 22 October 2026, EUIPO’s 2026 SME Fund page says that Voucher 2 for trade marks and designs is unavailable for new applications because its funds have been exhausted. The 2026 call is scheduled to run until 4 December 2026, but individual vouchers may close earlier when their budgets run out.
This is why it is important to check the live EUIPO page before making plans. Do not assume that a voucher is open just because the annual call period has not ended.
What about the SME Fund 2027?
The 2026 rules do not automatically apply to 2027. The reimbursement rate, voucher limits, eligible costs, dates and application process for a future call must be confirmed in its official call documents. Until EUIPO publishes those rules, treat any 2027 figures or dates as unconfirmed.
You can prepare early by identifying the company that will apply, deciding what trade mark you want to protect, reviewing the goods and services it covers, and gathering company documents. Preparation does not guarantee a voucher, and you should wait for the relevant grant decision before starting activities that you expect to claim.
Is the SME Fund the same as free trade mark registration?
No. A trade mark application still has official fees. The SME Fund may reimburse a share of eligible costs if the SME receives a voucher, follows the rules and submits a successful reimbursement request. You may also have other costs that are outside the voucher, such as professional assistance.
Get help preparing your EU trade mark application
We can help you review your planned trade mark application and prepare the information needed for filing. We will explain which programme rules are confirmed and which details depend on a future call.
Note: SME Fund rules and availability can change. This guide is general information, not a grant decision or legal advice. The EUIPO call documents and official programme pages are authoritative. Eesti Consulting is an independent service provider and is not EUIPO or the European Commission.
Eesti Consulting is an independent service provider and is not part of EUIPO or the European Commission. SME Fund 2027 rules have not been published yet.