register your ip in greece and the eu in 2026
EU SME Fund 2026: Reimbursement Opportunity for IP Protection Now Open
February 8th, 2026.
On February 2nd 2026, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has opened applications for the SME Fund 2026, offering substantial reimbursements for intellectual property protection costs. The program runs until 4 December 2026, with funds allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Since its inception in 2021, the SME Fund has supported over 100,000 European SMEs with approximately €68 million in reimbursements. Notably, nearly 80% of beneficiaries were first-time IP applicants.
AVAILABLE REIMBURSEMENTS FOR EU SMEs:
Trade Marks & Designs
75% reimbursement on national (Greek) and EUIPO filings, up to €700 per SME
Patents
75% reimbursement on national patent applications and search fees, up to €1,000 per SME
For European patents: 75% on application/search fees and 50% on other official fees, up to €2,500 per SME
The Process:
Eligible SMEs apply for vouchers through the EUIPO portal. Upon approval (typically within 15 working days), we proceed with filing your IP applications in Greece or with EUIPO. After payment of official fees, you submit the reimbursement request, and the EUIPO transfers funds directly to your company’s bank account within 30 days.
Why Register Your Intellectual Property now
Understanding the Legal and Commercial Value of IP Protection
Introduction
In today’s competitive marketplace, intellectual property (IP) represents one of the most valuable assets a business can own. Yet many Greek SMEs operate without formal IP protection, leaving their brands, innovations, and creative works vulnerable.
What Constitutes Registrable Intellectual Property?
Understand what can be protected
Trade Marks
protect brand identifiers including names, logos, slogans, and even sounds or colours that distinguish your goods or services in the marketplace.
Designs
protect the visual appearance of products, including shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation.
Patents
protect technical inventions and innovations that are new, involve an inventive step, and are capable of industrial application.
(Plant Varieties)
protect new plant varieties that are distinct, uniform, and stable.
The Cost of Not Registering
Failing to register IP carries significant risks:
Loss of Rights
In Europe, trade marks operate on a “first-to-file” basis. Someone else can register your brand before you, potentially forcing you to cease use or rebrand entirely.
Rebranding Costs
Being forced to change your brand name, logo, or product design after years of use is commercially devastating. Marketing investments are lost, and customer recognition must be rebuilt from scratch.
Inability to Enforce
Without registration, you cannot effectively stop others from copying your brand or designs. Even if you have common law rights, enforcement is expensive and uncertain.
Limited Business Value
Businesses without IP protection are less attractive to investors, partners, and acquirers. The absence of protected assets is a red flag in due diligence.
Current Opportunity: The EUIPO SME Fund 2026
STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS
Conduct an IP Audit: Identify all potentially protectable assets – brands, product designs, innovations, and proprietary processes.
Prioritize Registrations: Not all IP requires immediate protection. Focus on assets that are central to your business identity and competitive advantage.
Consider Territorial Scope: Determine whether protection should be national (Greece), regional (EU), or international based on your current and anticipated markets.
Act Before Public Disclosure: Patents and designs have strict novelty requirements. Public disclosure before filing can destroy your ability to obtain protection. File first, then launch.
Monitor and Enforce: Registration is not the end of the process. Monitor the market for potential infringements and take action when necessary to maintain the strength of your rights.
Conclusion
Intellectual property registration is not merely a legal formality – it is a strategic business decision with direct commercial impact. The exclusive rights, enforcement capabilities, and asset value that registration provides are essential for businesses seeking sustainable competitive advantage. In an increasingly knowledge-based economy, IP often represents a business’s most valuable assets. Protecting these assets through formal registration is fundamental to long-term success.
Our office provides IP services including trade mark and design searches, applications before the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) and EUIPO, patent filing coordination, and IP portfolio strategy. We also assist clients with SME Fund 2026 applications to maximize available reimbursements. For consultation regarding your IP protection needs, please contact our office.
Disclaimer
The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It should not be applied to any particular legal matter or factual situation without consulting a qualified attorney. Kanellos & Associates makes no commitment to keep this information current and assumes no liability for any losses or damages arising from your reliance on the content provided herein.
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