Design, Protection, and Opportunity: EUIPO Updates on Awards, GIs and SME Funding
Recent updates from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) highlight ongoing opportunities, tools and policy developments of direct relevance to the European design community—from recognition platforms to new regulatory guidance and funding support.
DesignEuropa Awards 2026: Public Voting Now Open
The DesignEuropa Awards 2026 continue to spotlight excellence in European design, celebrating innovation, impact and the strategic use of intellectual property. This year, the awards mark their 10th anniversary, with the ceremony set to take place in Ljubljana.
For the first time, the public is invited to take part through an online public vote, allowing the wider design community and audiences to select their favourite project among the finalists.
This development reflects a broader effort by EUIPO to increase visibility of European design, engage wider audiences beyond the professional community and highlight the societal and economic value of design.
Online Public Voting: ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/DesignEuropa-Award-2026-Public-Choice-Award
New Guide: Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications (GIs)
EUIPO has also published a Practical Guide for the Implementation of the Craft and Industrial Geographical Indications (GIs) Regulation, providing key support for designers, makers and producers working with place-based heritage.
The new GI framework:
- extends protection beyond food to include craft and industrial products
- supports regional identity, cultural heritage and craftsmanship
- strengthens the link between design, territory and authenticity
This guide helps stakeholders understand how to apply for GI protection, navigate administrative procedures and position their products within this evolving EU framework. For designers working in craft, material culture and local production, the regulation opens up new ways to protect and communicate value.
More Information: euipn.org/en/news-and-events/n[…]-gis-regulation
SME Fund 2026: High Demand and Remaining Opportunities
The SME Fund 2026 remains one of EUIPO’s most impactful initiatives, offering financial support to help small and medium-sized enterprises protect their intellectual property.
This year’s edition, running from 2 February to 4 December 2026, continues to provide vouchers covering trademarks, designs, patents and more.
However, due to exceptionally high demand, funding for trademarks and designs has already been fully allocated.
Remaining support is currently limited to:
- Patent-related vouchers
- Plant variety protection
More Information: euipo.europa.eu/en/sme-corner/sme-fund/2026