SME Fund 2026: SME Fund, IP Scan and IP Scan Enforcement support for companies
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) continues in 2026 its support programme aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) called the SME Fund, with the goal of helping companies protect and strategically develop their intellectual property (IP).
Through the SME Fund, companies can receive financial support for registering trademarks, designs, patents, and plant varieties, as well as for professional advice. Based on our experience, especially valuable for companies are the SME Fund’s support for national trademark and design official fees, as well as IP Scan and IP Scan Enforcement, which help map the company’s IP situation and prevent or resolve disputes.
What is SME Fund 2026?
The SME Fund is a joint programme of the European Commission and the EUIPO that allows SMEs to receive reimbursement for certain intellectual property-related costs.
Eligible SMEs are those registered in the European Union and in Ukraine. Applications can be submitted during the period (and the measure may close early if the budget runs out, but can also re-open later in the year): 2 February – 4 December 2026.
Supported activities include:
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IP pre-diagnosis (IP Scan)
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Trademark and design registration (SME Fund)
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Patent applications
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Plant variety protection
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Advice on enforcement and disputes (IP Scan Enforcement)
IP Scan – a solid foundation for your company’s IP strategy
IP Scan is an IP pre-diagnosis service that helps a company evaluate its business model, products, services and growth potential from an intellectual property perspective. During the service, experienced IP experts:
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Map existing rights,
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Identify risks,
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Evaluate protection needs,
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Provide recommendations for further development.
The result is a clear and practical intellectual property strategy.
Price of IP Scan in Estonia
The cost of the IP Scan service in Estonia is €1,400. Under the SME Fund 2026, up to €1,260 (90%) of this can be reimbursed — meaning the company’s own contribution is just €140. Only patent attorneys qualify as advisors in Estonia.
IP Scan Enforcement – help in disputes and risks
IP Scan Enforcement is aimed at companies that have or are facing an IP conflict. The service helps in situations such as:
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Your trademark is being used without permission,
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A product or design is being copied,
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There is a risk of litigation,
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License or cooperation agreements are being violated.
Experts analyse the situation and prepare a plan of action for protecting your rights.
Price of IP Scan Enforcement in Estonia
The cost of IP Scan Enforcement in Estonia is also €1,400. The SME Fund can cover up to €1,260 of this, leaving the company’s contribution at €140. Again, only patent attorneys qualify as advisors.
Other SME Fund 2026 funding options
In addition to IP Scan services, the SME Fund offers reimbursements for registration fees:
| Area | Maximum refund |
|---|---|
| Trademarks and designs | up to 700 € |
| Patents and drafting | up to 2500 € |
| Plant variety protection | up to 1500 € |
Registration official fee refund rates range from 50% to 75%. In the trademarks, a 75% refund rate applies to EUIPO official fees and 50% to WIPO fees.
Need help using SME Fund 2026?
AAA assists throughout the entire process:
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Assess your company’s IP situation,
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Help choose the right support,
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Prepare the application and later the reimbursement claims,
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Provide IP Scan and/or IP Scan Enforcement services,
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Advise on protecting rights in Estonia and abroad.
Required documents for the application include: proof of VAT registration (if applicable), bank account confirmation (bank statement or certificate), and a power of attorney.
📩 Would you like to take advantage of the SME Fund 2026?Get in touch with us, and we will help you make the most of the opportunities offered by the European Union SME support system.
👉 Book free consultation
👉 Ask an offer for your business needs
👉 Start creating your IP-strategy and IP protection now!
