SME Fund

Step 1: Get a free consultation (optional)
If you find it helpful, please take advantage of our free consultation by calling our hotline +43 1 534 24.
 

Step 2: Request funding
Submit your request to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) between February 2 and December 4, 2026.

Make sure you have the following documents available in PDF format at the time of request:

1. VAT certificate – VAT certificate or certificate of your company's national registration number, issued by the competent national authority. Self-employed individuals must provide a certificate of registration in the national system for self-employed persons, which must also include a tax identification number.
2. Bank statement – Bank statement of your company showing the following details: company name as account holder, full IBAN number including country code, and BIC/SWIFT code.
3. Declaration of honour – If your SME uses the services of an external representative, or if you are an external representative acting on behalf of an SME, you must submit a "declaration of honour" signed by an authorised owner or employee of the SME.

You can find examples and templates on the EUIPO website.

Each SME may request funding only once per voucher type in 2026. However, multiple patents, trademarks, and designs can be included within a single request. Additional requests are only possible if previous requests have been rejected.

You will receive a decision within 15 working days.
 

Step 3: Register your intellectual property rights
Important note: The EUIPO's funding approval must be obtained before filing.

Once approved, file your patent, trademark, or design within one month. An extension of one additional month can be requested.
 

Step 4: Request reimbursement
The first reimbursement request must be submitted within one month of filing. Further costs must be claimed within six months, or within twelve months for Voucher 4 (community plant varieties). Payment is typically made within around 20 days. For reimbursement, you only need a proof of payment and the filing confirmation. For each IP right, please provide the filing date, application number, payment date, and amount paid. 

Only fees paid up until publication of the application are eligible for reimbursement. Subsequent refunds from the Office do not affect the amount of funding granted.

This funding is not subject to state aid rules such as the de minimis regulation, as no public funds are used. Financing comes exclusively from the EUIPO and EU budget, which is why state aid rules do not apply.