EU SME Funds 2026: call open from 2 February

EU SME Funds 2026: call open from 2 February

From 2 February 2026 a new call for European funds aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has officially opened under the 2026 financial period. This opportunity is part of the aid package designed to promote innovation, competitiveness, and the protection of business assets within European SMEs.

What grants are available?

With the opening of the SME Fund 2026 on 2 February, you may apply for assistance in the form of reimbursable vouchers for the following purposes:

• Trademark registration or brand design voucher: up to €700.
• National patent voucher (including prior art search): up to €1,000.
• European patent and legal costs voucher: up to €2,500.
• Community plant variety protection voucher: up to €1,500.

In the previous edition, more than 25,000 SMEs across the EU benefited from these grants, achieving stronger legal protection for their intangible assets and becoming more attractive to investors and markets.

How to apply for SME Fund 2026 grants

Applications must be submitted through the official portal of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, starting on 2 February 2026.

The process is straightforward but requires proper preparation:

1. Preliminary analysis: identification of eligible assets (trademarks, designs, patents) and verification of the company’s eligibility. Letslaw carries out an initial assessment to define the most suitable funding option.
2. Application and processing: electronic submission to the EUIPO and monitoring of formal requirements and deadlines. Letslaw handles the preparation and filing of the application.
3. Evaluation and grant award: the EUIPO reviews applications within short timeframes; in previous calls, decisions were typically issued within approximately 15–25 working days.

Why work with Letslaw?

Managing European funds involves legal and regulatory aspects that are best addressed with specialized advice. At Letslaw, we provide comprehensive legal assistance, including:

• Review of eligibility and compatibility of aid.
• Preparation and optimization of documentation.
• Monitoring of the application file and management of reimbursements.
• Advice on industrial and intellectual property and the legal structuring of the project.

The SME Fund 2026 allows SMEs to access European funding and strengthen the protection of their strategic assets. The call opens on 2 February 2026, and funds are limited, so acting early is key.

Would you like us to help you submit your application? Contact us and we will be happy to guide you step by step.