## How It Works
The steps are simple:
- Applicants submit the application
- Receive the voucher
- Protect their intellectual property rights
- After paying the fees, recover part of the costs — without waiting for registration approval
## Available Vouchers
- Up to **€700** for trademarks and industrial designs
- Up to **€1,000** for national patents
- Up to **€2,500** for European patents
Reimbursement is between **50% and 90%** of costs, depending on the type of protected right.
## Who Can Apply
For trademarks and designs, eligible SMEs from the EU or Ukraine can receive 75% reimbursement of official fees (filing, class, examination, publication, etc.). NGOs can also apply, with some additional conditions.
## What You Need to Know
- Vouchers have limited validity and must be activated and reimbursed within established deadlines, which are quite short
- There are bureaucratic conditions, but nothing insurmountable
- Funds are not retroactive — costs incurred before the grant decision notification date are not covered
- Theoretically, registrations are open until December. In practice, funds are exhausted around mid-year
## Why It Matters
Protecting a trademark or patent is not just a formality — it's an investment in your business's identity and competitive advantage. SME Fund 2026 significantly reduces the financial barrier, offering SMEs the opportunity to secure their intellectual property rights at a fraction of the cost.