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

DINAPI implements the use of EUIPO's TMclass system
TMclass helps you to search for and classify Goods and Services (terms) needed to apply for trade mark protection. You can also translate a list of Goods and Services and verify if those terms appear in the classification databases of the Participating Offices.
Council and Parliament Reach Temporary Agreement to Protect Geographical Indications for Craft and Industrial Products
The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on the regulation for geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products.
New Harmonised EU Patent Rules Are Criticised by the Research and Development Organisations
Industrial research and development (R&D) organisations in Europe have criticised the European Commission's new patent regulations.
Out Now: Two New Case Studies on Successful Tech Transfer Journeys Driving Innovation Against Cancer
Joining forces with the European IP Helpdesk team, the European Patent Office (EPO) has published two new case studies illustrating the role of intellectual property (IP) for successful technology transfer processes.

Ed Sheeran wins copyright infringement lawsuit and recent case law of the General Court.
This week in the news, Ed Sheeran wins copyright infringement lawsuit, and the General Court provides clarity on a matter of international jurisdiction.
IPOPHL maintains “unqualified opinion” from COA for 10th straight year
The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has received an “unqualified or unmodified opinion” from the Commission on Audit (COA) for its financial reporting in 2022, marking 10 straight years that IPOPHL has been achieving the positive auditing finding.
IP protection for online exports increases in Việt Nam
Intellectual property (IP) protection of online exports has become increasingly important for Vietnamese businesses as the country has entered a new stage of cross-border e-commerce, experts said.

INPI and the USPTO discuss collaboration initiatives for 2023
The representatives of Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) came together to discuss about extending the ongoing actions by enhancing the technical cooperation between the two institutions this year.

INPI Brazil publishes its 2023-2026 Strategic Plan
The Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property has just published its action plan for the years 2023 to 2026.
Upcoming events
EBN Congress 2023
- Brno, Czechia
EU - Webinar: Copyright in collaborative projects
- Live streaming available
European Sustainable Energy Week 2023
- Bruxelles, Belgium