Out Now: New Factsheet Explores the Link Between IP and Standardisation

The European IP Helpdesk has released a new factsheet exploring the relationship between intellectual property (IP) rights and standardisation—two essential drivers of innovation and its dissemination. While IP rights provide exclusivity and safeguard investments, standardisation promotes wider access and interoperability of technologies, making a balanced approach crucial for effective innovation and market uptake.

The factsheet provides a comprehensive overview of this interplay, covering key concepts such as the definition and role of standardisation, the process for developing new standards, and the importance of Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) and FRAND (Fair, Reasonable and Non-Discriminatory) licensing.

It also examines how standardisation is addressed in EU-funded collaborative projects and highlights its relevance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering practical insights to help navigate this complex but important field.