Have you filed a patent or utility model application in Spain or abroad? Are you an innovative company or a self-employed inventor? The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office has published its call for grant applications for 2026, which allows you to recover a portion of the official costs incurred in protecting inventions.
Below, we summarise the scope of the grant, the eligible recipients, the eligible expenses and the application procedure.
¿En qué consiste esta ayuda?
The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) partially subsidises the costs associated with official procedures before patent offices, through two distinct schemes:
National scheme: aimed at applications for Spanish patents and utility models.
International scheme: aimed at international applications, whether through the PCT system, the European Patent Office or via foreign national offices.
Applications for both schemes may be submitted simultaneously and are compatible with other public funding, within the applicable limits.
Who is eligible to apply?
The following are eligible for these grants:
- Individuals.
- Self-employed persons.
- Spanish SMEs that are the applicants and have borne the cost of the eligible procedures.
- Eligibility is linked to the applicant’s status and to the actual bearing of the costs.
Which expenses are eligible for funding in 2026?
– International programme
This applies to inventions protected outside Spain. Subsidies are available exclusively for official fees relating to the following procedures:
A) Foreign or regional offices:
– Application for a patent or utility model
– Validation of European patents outside Spain
– Prior art search
– Examination of the application
– Grant of the patent
B) European Patent Office (EPO):
– Designation of countries
– Excess claims
– Annuities prior to grant
C) PCT international procedure, where the SPTO has been involved:
– International application
– International search
– International preliminary examination
– National Programme (OEPM)
This applies exclusively to inventions protected in Spain through the OEPM.
– Utility model application
– Prior art report
– Patent application
– Prior art report
– Substantive examination
How much can be recovered?
Up to 80% of general costs.
Up to 90% for SMEs and individuals.
Subject to a limit of €300,000 over three years in accordance with the de minimis rules.
What expenses are eligible under this call for applications?
Expenses incurred between 1 January and 31 December 2025.
How do I apply?
Online application via the SPTO website.
One-month deadline from the date of publication in the Official State Gazette.
What documents are required?
The applicant’s tax identification number
Proof of representation
Bank details
Affidavits
Supporting documentation for expenses
Why submit the application?
It helps to reduce the cost of protecting innovation and facilitates its expansion into other markets. It is of interest to start-ups, innovative companies, inventors and technology-based SMEs.
Would you like to discuss your case?
At Marqués & Ferrer, we can help you to:
Assess the eligibility criteria.
Estimate the amount you can claim.
Prepare your application.
Organise the necessary documentation.
You have until 24 April. Contact us!