The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) has published the 2026 call for grant applications to promote patent and utility model applications, a key initiative to advance the protection of Spanish innovation both nationally and internationally.
An excerpt from the call for applications was published in the Official State Gazette on March 24, 2026, establishing a limited application period that should be kept firmly in mind.
Application Deadline: Key Dates
The deadline for submitting applications:
- Start Date: March 25, 2026
- End: April 24, 2026 (inclusive)*
*On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, it was announced that the deadline for submitting applications had been extended by 14 calendar days, starting from the day after the end of the deadline originally specified in the call for applications.
The application must be submitted online through the OEPM's electronic portal.
Since this is a process that requires the collection and verification of technical and financial documentation, it is recommended that you prepare and submit the application well in advance to ensure it is processed correctly within the deadline.
Purpose of the Grants
The purpose of this call for proposals is to promote and internationalize inventions of Spanish origin by partially funding the costs associated with protection through patents and utility models.
Specifically, these grants aim to:
- Promote the use of industrial property
- Facilitate access to international markets
- Improving the competitiveness of Spanish companies and innovators
To this end, the OEPM has allocated a total budget of 5,300,000 euros through a competitive grant program.
Grant Programs: National and International
The call for proposals consists of two distinct programs:
1. Program for Applications Abroad
This program is designed to fund the costs associated with the international protection of inventions.
Who is eligible?
- Individuals
- SMEs
- Large Companies
- Private nonprofit organizations
In all cases, they must have their residence and tax domicile in Spain.
What expenses are eligible for reimbursement?
Funding is provided for activities related to the international extension of patents and utility models, including:
- Applications Filed with Foreign or Regional National Offices
- Application procedures, search report, examination, or grant
- European Patent Office (EPO) Annual Fees
- Validation of a European Patent
- PCT International Procedures (Application, International Search, and Preliminary Examination)
Eligible Period
Expenses must have been incurred between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025.
2. Program for Domestic Applications
This program is designed to encourage the protection of inventions in Spain.
Who is eligible?
- Individuals
- SMEs
What activities are funded?
- Spanish Patent and Utility Model Applications
- Application Procedures
- State-of-the-Art Report
- Substantive Examination (in the case of patents)
These proceedings must have been published in the Official Industrial Property Gazette (BOPI) during the years 2023, 2024, or 2025.
Grants for Patents and Utility Models
The OEPM 2026 grants are an important tool for reducing the costs associated with protecting inventions, especially in internationalization processes.
Proper preparation of the application and supporting documentation can be decisive in this type of call for proposals, so having specialized advice is key to maximizing the chances of securing these grants. At Elzaburu, we have a team of professionals with extensive experience in managing patent and utility model applications, as well as in processing these types of grants, guiding companies and innovators through the entire process—from strategic planning to the final justification of the grants.