European SMEs Can Access Up to €7,320 for IP Filings
On February 2, 2026, the European Commission, in cooperation with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), launched the 2026 SME Fund. This grant initiative enables eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the European Union and Ukraine to receive partial reimbursement of some official intellectual property fees.
The 2026 SME Fund offers cost savings across a range of IP protections including: filing fees for trademarks, designs, plant varieties, and patent applications; official fees for patent prior art search services conducted by participating EU national patent offices; and professional fees associated with drafting national or European patent applications.
Partial reimbursement may also be available in certain countries for an IP Scan Enforcement service. This service provides guidance to SMEs that have identified potential infringement of their IP rights, have been accused of infringing third-party rights, or face a significant risk of such infringement.
Although the application process varies depending on the country in which the business is established, SMEs may benefit from savings of up to 75% on IP right application fees and up to 90% on the cost of an IP Scan, depending on the applicable country or region. The application period closes on December 5, 2026.
How to get partial reimbursement in France:
1. Apply for the grant: visit the SME Fund website, open a user account with EUIPO, and complete the grant application form.
2. Receive the grant: receive a decision on the grant within a maximum of 15 business days, in the form of “vouchers” to be activated.
3. Start your IP activities: file your trademark, design, plant variety property right and/or patent application and pay the filing fees; or request an IP Scan Enforcement or a patent prior art search from the INPI and pay the corresponding fee.
4. Get partial reimbursement: complete the form in your user account and receive your partial reimbursement.
