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

Italian Embassy's Concerns over 'La Camorra' Trade Mark - Microsoft’s Shield for AI Users Against Copyright Claims
This week in the news, we pay attention to trade marks that may be contrary to public policy and the latest Microsoft announcements.

Brazil and Denmark outline actions to advance cooperation in Intellectual Property (IP)
The collaboration aims to foster innovation partnerships in areas like agribusiness, healthcare, and sustainable energy.

OCPI Cuba to become a depositing and accessing office of the WIPO Digital Access Service in 2024
OCPI Cuba to become a depositing and accessing office of the WIPO Digital Access Service in 2024

EU General Court Backs Augusta National in Trade Mark Dispute - EUIPO Invalidates Rubik's Cube 3D Trade Mark
This week, we look at the General Court case T-677/22 regarding trade mark distinctiveness, and a recent invalidation of the Rubik's Cube 3D Trade Mark.

CNR El Salvador and the General Directorate of Customs sign agreement on IP
This agreement is expected to increase positive compliance rates regarding the protection of intellectual property at the Salvadorian customs.
IPOPHL set to hit P1B in gross earnings for 2023
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said it will likely hit P1 billion in gross earnings from intellectual property (IP) fillings and other fees this year

New Case Study: Lanthan SafeSky - How an Innovative Aircraft Detection Lighting System Ensures Safe Skies and Black Nights
European IP Helpdesk team has just published a new case study “Lanthan SafeSky - How an Innovative Aircraft Detection Lighting System Ensures Safe Skies and Black Nights”.

Brazil's Supreme Court Rules Over IPhone's Trade Mark
The long-running dispute between Apple and Gradiente over the use of the iPhone trade mark in Brazil has a new ruling.

EC Introduces: EUPL - European Free/Open Source Software Licence
The European Union Public Licence (EUPL), is the Free/Open Source Software license initiated by the European Commission. It is available in 23 original linguistic versions and can be utilized by anyone for software distribution.

Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference 2023
This year the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Annual Conference took place on from 15 to 17 November 2023 in a hybrid format, at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre in Spain.
Upcoming events
Latin America - Webinar - How to internationally protect your trade mark through the Madrid system?
- Live streaming available
EU - Webinar: IP and Artificial Intelligence - Advanced
- Live streaming available
Plant Variety
- Live streaming available
EU - Webinar: Addressing IP impact and innovation in EU projects
- Live streaming available