News

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are considering protecting their innovations are encouraged to apply for Voucher 3 under the SME Fund 2026, which remains open and offers financial support for patent protection.

The scheme provides 75% reimbursement up to €1,000 for national patent applications, prior art searches and European patent applications, as well as 50% reimbursement up to €1,500 for legal services at European level.

With almost 110,000 SMEs already having benefited from the SME Fund and more than €6 million available for patent applications in 2026, eligible businesses are encouraged to act early. Applications for Voucher 3 must be submitted before filing any patent application or requesting a prior art search.

The fund is open until the end of 2026 or until funds are exhausted, on a first come, first served basis.

SMEs interested in plant variety protection may also consider Voucher 4, which supports EU plant variety protection applications.

For more information, visit the SME Fund 2026 website.