Upon returning to civilian life, many veterans start their own businesses, create new products, launch manufacturing operations, develop technology projects, or work on their own brands. However, building a business is not just about having an idea and entrepreneurial experience. It’s also about the legal protection of what is being created.
That is why, in 2026, the government introduced new intellectual property benefits for veteran entrepreneurs. These include reduced fees for registering trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and other intellectual property. The decision became part of a policy to support veterans who are developing their own businesses and creating new products in Ukraine.
What exactly has changed
On May 13, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 595, which amended the Procedure for Paying Fees for Actions Related to the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights. The document took effect on May 16, 2026.
The main goal of the changes is to make the intellectual property registration system more accessible to war veterans engaged in entrepreneurial activities.
Under the new rules, veteran entrepreneurs are entitled to reduced fees for certain intellectual property-related services. Depending on the type of action and the subject of the right, the discount may amount to 25% or even 50% of the established fee.
In practice, this means that it will be cheaper for veterans to register:
- trademarks;
- inventions;
- utility models;
- industrial designs;
- other intellectual property rights for which applicable fees are charged.
In addition, the government has increased the discount for submitting applications electronically. Whereas applicants previously could count on smaller discounts depending on the type of object, electronic filing now entails paying 90% of the standard fee. This further encourages the digitization of procedures and makes the registration of rights more affordable.
Why This Matters for Veteran-Owned Businesses
For many entrepreneurs, registering a trademark or patenting an invention is often postponed due to financial costs. This is especially true in the early stages, when funds are needed for production, marketing, equipment, or the team.
That is why reducing fees can be an important support tool. A brand, company name, or proprietary development is often the core asset of a young business. Without proper registration, others may register similar marks, use the intellectual property, or create additional legal risks.
This is particularly relevant for veterans who are launching their own manufacturing ventures, tech startups, craft brands, educational projects, or service-based businesses. In many cases, a trademark is the first intellectual property asset that requires protection.
The benefits also have symbolic significance. The state effectively recognizes that support for veterans must go beyond social benefits and include creating conditions for the development of entrepreneurship and economic self-fulfillment.
How the benefits system will work
Special attention has been paid to the procedure for confirming veteran status. The changes provide for the use of government electronic systems to verify relevant information. In particular, data can be verified through the “Trembita” system for electronic interaction between government information resources. This should simplify the procedure for obtaining benefits and minimize bureaucratic barriers.
At the same time, the legislature has provided certain safeguards against abuse. In specific cases involving the transfer of rights or a change in ownership of intellectual property within a specified period, special rules regarding the application of benefits may apply. Thus, the system is specifically designed to support genuine veteran-owned businesses, rather than the formalistic use of preferential status.
New intellectual property incentives have become an important step in supporting veteran entrepreneurship in Ukraine. Reduced fees for registering trademarks, inventions, and other intellectual property give veterans more opportunities to launch and develop their own projects.
At the same time, the mere existence of these incentives does not eliminate the need to properly register rights to a brand, development, or technology. Mistakes at this stage can cost a business significantly more than the registration itself.
If you plan to register a trademark, secure rights to an invention, or need advice on intellectual property protection, please contact our law firm. We will help you build a solid legal foundation for the growth of your business.
industrial design / intellectual property / invention / trademark / veterans
