Direct subsidies to ANDEMA and Forum of Renowned Brands 2026: what they finance and who benefits

Key data

Two entities linked to the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) will receive direct public funding in 2026 to boost industrial property in Spain. The Royal Decree 725/2026, of September 9, authorizes these subsidies exceptionally, justifying the direct route—without public tender—for reasons of public, social and economic interest.

For companies holding brands, especially those operating in international markets, this regulation represents institutional support for organizations working to promote recognition and protection of Spanish brands abroad.

What does this regulation establish?

Royal Decree 725/2026 regulates the direct granting of subsidies in industrial property matters for the 2026 budget year. The two beneficiary entities and the financed activities are as follows:

The regulation is part of the Strategic Plan for Subsidies of the Ministry of Industry and Tourism 2025-2027 and is justified by the impossibility or inconvenience of resorting to the usual competitive public tender, given the specific nature and public interest of the activities.

A relevant aspect for surrounding companies: these subsidies are not considered state aid according to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), given the non-profit nature of the beneficiary entities and the general interest purposes they pursue.

The management of subsidies will be entirely electronic, as ANDEMA and the Foundation Forum of Renowned Spanish Brands are legal entities required to interact digitally with the Administration.

Economic and operational impact

Although Royal Decree does not specify the exact amounts of each subsidy—data that will be set in individual grant resolutions—it does clearly define the destination of public funds and the management model.

The practical effects for the business ecosystem are as follows:

• Industrial property training: ANDEMA will be able to organize and finance training programs for companies, law firms and professionals in the sector.
• Brand internationalization: The Foundation Forum of Renowned Spanish Brands will have resources to promote the international positioning of Spanish brands, which directly benefits companies holding them.
• Congresses and publications: Both entities will be able to hold sector events and publish reference materials, with access for companies in the sector.
• Studies and research: Analysis will be financed on the state of industrial property in Spain, useful for business decision-making.

As these are direct subsidies—non-competitive—there is no possibility for other entities to compete for these subsidies. The direct economic impact falls exclusively on ANDEMA and the Foundation Forum of Renowned Spanish Brands.

Who does it affect?

• ANDEMA: Direct beneficiary entity of the subsidy for training and dissemination activities in industrial property.
• Foundation Forum of Renowned Spanish Brands: Direct beneficiary entity for Spanish brand internationalization initiatives.
• Companies holding renowned brands: Indirect beneficiaries of internationalization initiatives, congresses and financed studies.
• Professionals and industrial property law firms: Potential recipients of financed training activities and publications.
• Companies interested in protecting their brand in international markets: They benefit from the positioning and recognition work carried out by these entities with public funds.

Practical example

A Spanish company in the food sector with a consolidated brand in the national market that wants to expand to European and Latin American markets can benefit from this regulation indirectly.

Thanks to the subsidy granted to the Foundation Forum of Renowned Spanish Brands, this entity will be able to organize international congresses in 2026, publish studies on the value of Spanish brands abroad and develop internationalization initiatives. The company, if it is a partner or collaborator of the Forum, will have access to these resources at no additional cost.

Similarly, if the company needs internal training on trademark registration and protection abroad, the activities financed to ANDEMA under this subsidy can meet that need through training programs, workshops or specialized publications.

In both cases, the value for the company is not direct monetary, but access to knowledge, networks and international positioning that otherwise it would have to finance on its own.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if your company holds renowned brands: If you operate with recognized brands in the market, check if your company is linked or can be linked to the Foundation Forum of Renowned Spanish Brands to access its internationalization initiatives.
2. Contact ANDEMA: If you need training or updates on industrial property matters, consult the calendar of activities that ANDEMA will develop under this subsidy during 2026.
3. Follow activity calls: Although the subsidy is direct to the entities, the resulting activities (congresses, publications, training programs) will be open to companies in the sector. Stay informed through ANDEMA and the Forum of Renowned Brands channels.
4. Review your industrial property strategy: Take advantage of the studies and publications that this subsidy will finance to make informed decisions about registering and protecting your brands in international markets.
5. Consult the Strategic Plan 2025-2027: This subsidy is part of a multi-year plan. It is foreseeable that a similar call will be repeated in 2027. Plan in advance your participation in the activities of these entities.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-18903