IP basics
Intellectual property has become a key building block for the commercial success and competitiveness of many companies – and especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – as modern economies are increasingly driven by knowledge-based services and products. It is thus fundamental for SMEs to be aware of the value of their intangible assets and to set up informed strategies to capture, manage, protect and potentially enforce their IP.
Moreover, IP management plays an important role in maximising the impact of research and innovation projects safeguarding that bright ideas and ground-breaking research findings are turned into value-creating goods and services.
But where to begin? While there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to IP management, and strategies should always be closely aligned with the overall strategy and individual setting of your business or R&I project, there are some IP basics that will help you take the first steps.
In this section we bring together central publications provided by each of our regional IP Helpdesk teams that give an overview of key aspects to consider when tackling IP management in different settings and regions.
China IP SME Helpdesk
Use this guide if you want to find out why IP is relevant for you in the context of doing business in Mainland China. It will provide you with IP Basics, a background to the legal framework, information on the usage of customs and what you could do if you want to enforce your rights.
A strong trade mark can be instrumental in winning new customers when establishing a brand in China. Because you invest time and money into building the reputation of your company, it would be very damaging to your business if someone else began using your name to sell their own products or services
Learn more about managing IP in China
European IP Helpdesk
Intellectual property (IP) management is a key element in improving the competitiveness of any company.
Horizon.2020 is the current EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation with nearly €80 billion of funding available from 2014-2020.
India IP SME Helpdesk
This factsheet is a general introduction to the Indian IP system, covering the protection of the main IP rights which can be enforced in the country.
Latin America IP SME Helpdesk
Infographic (1 page)
Ten basic IP tips to succeed in Latin America
South-East Asia IP SME Helpdesk
Infographic about trade mark protection in South-East Asia
Embark on a strategic journey into new markets with our Guide to 'Top 20 IP considerations when entering a new market'. The guide equips businesses with essential insights for protecting their IP and maximising their success in South-East Asia.
Learn more about managing IP in South-East Asia
Assessing your IP
Knowing your IP is the basis for developing a sound IP management strategy – especially when doing business in foreign markets. We have created some useful tools that will help you get a clearer picture.
Support for European SMEs
In order to provide the necessary support mechanisms, the European Commission has developed an extensive network of in-depth programs and resources to help European SMEs thrive in today's economy. No matter the stage of development of your SME, assistance for the following key topics can be found below.
One-Stop-Shop Services
Funding
Competitiveness
- Gate2Growth
- Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP)
- Analysis of Competitiveness
- Enterprise and Industry Online Magazine
