Intellectual Property
Intellectual property matters can be complex and full of legal jargon. The purpose of the IP Helpdesk is to help you navigate this landscape and provide you with the tools to better understand how IP applies to your business, product or R&D activities and results. This will allow you to make informed and strategic decisions regarding your assets.
Please click on the links below to find out more about the different types of IP and IP rights. Or if you would like to get a better grasp of IP in a certain context, you can delve deeper into separate pages on: Getting Started, IP in Business, Enforcement and Infringements, IP & Thematic areas, IP in EU-funded Research Projects.
Getting started
Click here to find out more about intellectual property basics and to understand how IP could apply to your business.
IP in Business
IP is an integral part of doing business. In this section you will find out how IP applies to various aspects of a business cycle.
Infringement and Enforcement
There might come a moment that your intellectual property is infringed. If so, you’ll want to enforce your rights. Please click here to find out more about the enforcement of your IP.
IP & Thematic Areas
IP is an integral part of doing business. The fact that it is so ingrained in nearly everything in a business cycle adds a layer of complexity. In this section we unpack these linkages for you and highlight how IP is linked to a number of key trends and thematic areas.
IP in EU-funded Research Projects
A strong understanding of IP is essential at various stages of an EU-funded project: starting with a successful proposal, through smooth project implementation to sound exploitation of research results. Here you will find all you need to know about the impact of proficient IP management throughout the lifecycle of a research and innovation project.
Resources and tools
IP resource library
- Country factsheets: Europe | China | Latin America | South-East Asia | India
- IP guides: Europe | China | South-East Asia
- Case studies: Europe | China | Latin America | South-East Asia | India
- Infographics: Europe | China | Latin America | South-East Asia | India
- Videos: Europe | Latin America | South-East Asia | India
IP tools
- Diagnostics tools: China | Latin America | South-East Asia
- IP cost calculator
Managing IP regionally
IP systems, legislation and practices vary across the world. It is therefore that the IP Helpdesk provides specific information for a number of key regions: China, Europe, India, Latin America and South-east Asia. Click on the links below to find out more about the IP specificities in these regions!
Regional Helpdesks
Latest news
Enterprise Europe Network Celebrates Its 15th Anniversary
The world's largest support network for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) celebrates its fifteenth birthday this year,
EPO Patent Index 2022: The Number of European Patent Applications Continues to Increase
The European Patent Office (EPO) has recently published the Patent Index 2022 which presents an overview of the European patent applications filed and European patents granted by the EPO last year.

EU Knowledge Valorisation Week 2023: Registrations Are Now Open
Registrations are now open for EU Knowledge Valorisation Week 2023 that brings together research and innovation actors to exchange experiences, discuss current trends and challenges, and highlight valorisation opportunities with a wide range of stakeholders.

The Andean opposition protocol comes into operation
The Andean opposition protocol for the management of Andean oppositions in trade mark matters came into operation on 1 March 2023.

U.S. Copyright Office new Guidance about copyright in AI-generated works – Coinbase case
This week, interesting new guidance from the U.S. Copyright Office and recent case law from the General Court.

Guest article from Abacus IP - 20 Years of Patent Law in Cambodia: Milestones and Future Outlook
Last month marked the 20th anniversary of the Cambodian patent system. Such major milestones are an opportunity to look back on how the law and practice have developed, and discuss what changes we might expect in the decades to come.

Samsung wins “S10” trade mark lawsuit – The General Court ruling about Gourmet
This week in the news, Samsung won a trade mark lawsuit about its “S10” name and a recent case law from the General Court.

Crocs, the informed user and the overall impression
This month, we focus on a recent design case involving the famous Crocs brand.

MoU signed between INPI Brazil and DKPTO
The Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) and the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a new start phase of bilateral cooperation in Intellectual Property between the two entities.
Out Now: New IP Special "Knowledge Valorisation in R&I Collaborations"
European IP Helpdesk team has just published a new thematic package focusing on “Knowledge Valorisation in R&I Collaborations” It includes a variety of helpful resources that explore the valorisation of research results and scientific knowledge in further detail.
Upcoming events
EU - Webinar: Copyright in collaborative projects
- Live streaming available
EU - Webinar: IP Management in ICT Projects
- Live streaming available
EU Knowledge Valorisation Week 2023
- Live streaming available
EU - Webinar EPO Coop: Patent protection for EU funding beneficiaries - Digital communication
- Live streaming available
EU - Webinar EPO Coop: Patent protection for EU funding beneficiaries - Green Technologies
- Live streaming available
EU - Webinar EPO Coop: Patent protection for EU funding beneficiaries - Biotechnology
- Live streaming available