Toolbox

The IPR Consulting Guidelines are a tool that can provide help to successfully get in contact with SMEs and offer guidance through a first consulting session

The IPR Consulting Guidelines are a tool that can provide help to successfully get in contact with SMEs and offer guidance through a first consulting session

Name:

Intellectual Asset Audit Starter Tool

Provider:

Enterprise Ireland

Description:

The tool is a simple checklist with prompts aimed as enabling companies initiate and is divided in to 2 sections, each with a different purpose:

1. Intellectual Assets: To identify the main IAs in the business and if they have IP protection.

Companies use the tool to facilitate an internal discussion to identify their key Ias relating to brand, technologies, aesthetics/design, copyright and online presence.  Users identify if they havve any IP protection relating to and if there are any issues tat need to be acted on.

2. Intellectual Asset Management: To assess how well the company manage their IAs.

In this case the user is presented with a number of statements that relate to specific IA management scenarios.  They are asked to rate, in their own opinion, how well each statement describes behaviours and systems that apply inthe company.  As with section 1, if the process highlights an issue they are prompted to idenitfy an action.

Users can continue to use the document to facilitate regular reviews in the future, producing an updated revision each time with new priority actions.  This will also help them to track their progress.

USE OF THE TOOL

Target group:

For (associated) project partners and intermediaries in 1-to-1 and group awarness activities with SMEs.

Expertise level:

Low to Medium level of IP expertise required

AIDA level:

I -D

ELC:

1 – 5

Suitable use:

1:1 Support/Pilot Actions

Trainings and workshops

Availability:

Internal: Restricted to (associated) project partners and intermediaries

Set-up:

Word Document 

Language(s):

English

Provider Organisation:

Enterprise Ireland (www.enterprise-ireland.com)

Email: joe.doyle@enterprise-ireland.com  

Name:

Capturing Creativity: Intellectual Asset Management and IP Strategy

Provider:

Enterprise Ireland

Description:

This awareness tool is structured around 3 main objectives as follows:

1. Provide a contextual understanding of Intellectual Property

This provides a top-level understanding of what IP is and why it is important in a business context.  It takes account of all different types of IP and presents them in the context of the embodied innovative features of products and services.

2. Provide a systematic approach to managing innovation leading to the creation of IP.

The tool is intended to be useful to SMEs in different industry sectors and at different stages of development.  Therefore, it aims to outline a universal approach.  Many SMEs rely too heavily on external expertise and often engage experts too early or too late in the process.  The approach outlined in the presentation aims to support companies to recognise the systems and process they can implement themselves and will provide them with the data and internal control necessary to engage with advisors efficiently and at the right time.  The 4-tiered framework aims to enable SMEs to compartmentalise different aspects of managing innovation activities across the organisation culminating in IP protection.  Thereby, providing a structure for the company’s IP Strategy.

3. Illustrate how the structure of the IP strategy is aligned with key elements of the business development strategy.

The framework illustrates how each tier of the IA management framework relates to different business development objectives.  This alignment enables the company to develop a business led IP Strategy that spans both IP protection and IP exploitation.

USE OF THE TOOL

Target group:

For (associated) project partners and intermediaries in 1-to-1 and group awarness activities with SMEs.

Expertise level:

Medium level of IP expertise required

AIDA level:

A-I

ELC:

1 – 5

Suitable use:

1:1 Support/Pilot Actions

Trainings and workshops

Availability:

Internal: Restricted to (associated) project partners and intermediaries

Set-up:

PowerPoint presentation 

Language(s):

English

Provider Organisation:

Enterprise Ireland (www.enterprise-ireland.com)

Email: joe.doyle@enterprise-ireland.com  

The guide is a presentation “Your Guide to IP in Horizon 2020”, set up by the European IPR Helpdesk.

The purpose of this guide is to provide you with basic facts on central Intellectual Property (IP) aspects in Horizon 2020 projects.

The content is as follows:

Introducing Horizon 2020

What’s New in Horizon 2020 with Regard to IP?

Your Project – Your Knowledge – Your IP

1. Getting Your Project Started

2. Implementing Your Project

3. Concluding Your Project

The European IPR Helpdesk

Our Services

Useful Documents

The tool is a Fact Sheet “IP considerations for trade fair organisers”, developed jointly by the European IPR Helpdesk, European Major Exhibition Centres Association and European Exhibition Industry Alliance.

The content is as follows:

Introduction

1. Existing initiatives

2. Awareness raising

3. On-site assistance

4. Strong policy and terms and conditions within contracts with exhibitors

5. Memorandum of understanding between partners

Useful Resources

The tool is a Fact Sheet “Intellectual property management at trade fairs”, developed jointly by the European IPR Helpdesk, European Major Exhibition Centres Association and European Exhibition Industry Alliance.

The content is as follows:

Introduction

1. Things you should know before participating in a trade fair

1.1 Knowing the IPRs you own

1.2 Registration = easiest and most effective way to fight against infringers

1.3 IP protection is territorial

1.4 Time limits for extending protection in another country

1.5 Intangible assets to be kept confidential

1.6 The limitations of trade fair organisers

2. Dos and don’ts – before, during and after trade fairs

2.1 Before the trade fair

2.2 During the event

2.3 After the event

Useful resources

The tool is a Fact Sheet “Domain names and cybersquatting”, set up by the European IPR Helpdesk.

The content is as follows:

Introduction

1. What is a domain name?

1.1. Domain name levels

1.2. New gTLDs

2. How are domain names protected?

2.1. Scope of protection

2.2. Registration process

3. Cybersquatting: the conflict between domain names and trade marks

4. Domain name dispute resolution procedures

4.1. Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy

4.2. Uniform Rapid Suspension System

4.3. Trademark Post-Delegation Dispute Resolution Procedure

4.4. Legal Rights Objection

Conclusion

Useful Resources

The tool is a Fact Sheet “Copyright_essentials”, set up by the European IPR Helpdesk.

The content is as follows:

Introduction

1. Understanding copyright

1.1. What does copyright protect?

1.2. Copyright protection

1.3. Neighbouring or related rights

1.4. Copyright and other IPRs

1.5. Works in the public domain

2. Copyright and SMEs

2.1. Licensing

2.2. Assignment

2.3. Use of works available on the Internet

3. Copyright infringement

3.1. Remedies

3.2. Copyright exceptions

4. Conclusions

Useful Resources

The guide is a presentation “IP-in-Europe”, set up by the European IPR Helpdesk.

Intellectual property (IP) management is a key element in improving the competitiveness of any company. Unfortunately, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often lack the time, resources, or knowledge to address IP matters.

This guide aims at providing answers to some of the main IP issues often faced by SMEs. It has been developed on the basis of the answers provided by the European IPR Helpdesk to some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) submitted by users through the European IPR Helpdesk website and Helpline. Moreover, it refers to several reference documents, which are listed at the end of each section for further information.

Each section of this guide is dedicated to one specific IP right, covering essential aspects around its regulation in Europe as well as some additional questions which, based on the experience of the European IPR Helpdesk, are of interest to European SMEs.

The content is as follows:

1. Trade marks

2. Industrial designs

3. Patents

4. Utility models

5. Trade secrets

6. Copyright

7. Databases

8. Domain names

9. Geographical indications

The European IPR Helpdesk

The guide is a presentation “Your Guide to IP Commercialisation”, set up by the European IPR Helpdesk.

The purpose of this guide is to provide you with basic facts on Intellectual Property (IP) aspects in commercialisation activities.

The content is as follows:

Introduction to IP Commercialisation

1. IP Commercialisation by its Owner

2. Assignments

3. Licensing and Franchising

3.1 Licensing

3.2 Franchising

4. Joint Ventures and Spin-offs

4.1 Joint Ventures

4.2 Spin-offs

5. IP Elements in Other Business Contracts

5.1 Non-Disclosure Agreements

5.2 Material Transfer Agreements

5.3 Consortium Agreements

5.4 Contract R&D

5.5 Consultancy Agreements

The European IPR Helpdesk

Obtaining, maintaining and managing Unitary Patents

In the following, some content is highlighted:

Unitary Patents: the concept is about the concept of the UP. It explains uniform protection, transitional regime and territorial scope.

Unitary Patent as additional option:

Benefits of the Unitary Patent:

"Unitary Patent package": covers e.g. participating Member States and Unified Patent Court.

HOW TO OBTAIN A UNITARY PATENT: Is a large part of the UP guide

RENEWAL FEES FOR UNITARY PATENTS: points to the very advantage of paying the renewal fees of only the 4 top applicant countries for a coverage of all EU countries (which have already ratified).

Tool = Fact Sheet of European IPR Helpdesk:

https://www.iprhelpdesk.eu/Fact-Sheet-Trade-Secrets-Efficient-Tool-Competitiveness

The Why and How of Design searches is explained in this guide.

Designview is the proposed search engine for Designs, covering not only designs registered in Europe / EU, but in total 55 national Designs, including USA, China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, India and WIPO International Design applications.

Hague Express Database is also introduced, which is also a free online tool for use in searching for international designs protected via the Hague System and managed by WIPO.

Furthermore, EuroLocarno, now called DesignClass, is explained, which is a search tool for classifications according to Locarno design classification.

eSearchPlus is an integrated tool to search EUIPO resources for designs:

–registered EU designs

–owners

–representatives

–publications

–related case law

IPR-Charts_Designs consists of two guides regarding international design protection, on Community (EU) Designs and on International Designs.

The compact folders give a very good overview on topics like:

1. What is protectable as a design?
2. How do I check novelty? (hints how to search for existing designs)
3. Which means of protection are available?
4. Where do I file an application for an EU design/International design?Who can file the design application?
5. How do I file the design application?
6. When should I file the design application?
7. What happens after filing the application?
8. What are the registration fees?
9. How long is the term of protection?

The Why and How of Trademark searches is explained in this guide.

TMview is the proposed search engine for Trade Marks, covering not only EU trade marks, but also 51 national Trade Marks, including US, JP, KR and Russia, and WIPO International Trade Mark applications.

TMclass is also introduced, which is a free online tool for use in searching for and classifying goods and services–information which is needed when registering a trade mark.

Furthermore, eSearchPlus is explained, which is an integrated tool to search all EUIPO resources:

–EU trade marks

–registered EU designs

–owners

–representatives

–publications

–related case law

IDENTIFICATION OF THE TOOL

Name:

IPR-Charts_trade-marks (EU Trade Mark,International Trade Mark)

Provider:

European IPR Helpdesk (financed and operated by an EU project)

Tools available via the website:

https://www.iprhelpdesk.eu/IP-Charts-IP-Guides

Description:

IPR-Charts_trade-marks consists of two guides regarding international trade marks, one on EU Trade Mark, the other on International Trade Mark.

The compact folders give a very good overview on topics like:

1. What is protectable as an EU (International) trade mark?
2. How do I check availability? (hints how to search for existing TM)
3. Who can file an EU trade mark application?
4. When should I file an EU trade mark application?
5. What happens after filing a trade mark application?
6. What are the registration fees for a trade mark application?
7. How long is the term of protection?
8. What are the advantages of the EU trade mark (or: Madrid System)?
9. What is the all-or-nothing principle (only relevant for EU trade mark)?

USE OF THE TOOL

Target group:

For SME (self-study)

For Intermediaries for consulting SMEs on trademarks in 1.1 pilot actions)

Expertise level:

Entry level to Intermediate level, also useful for Expert level (e.g. handout)

AIDA level:

2 - 4

ELC:

1 – 5 (patent searches are important in all ELC phases)

1:1/1:x

1:1 and 1:x and self-study by SME

Availability:

Free access to all website visitors

Set-up:

Tool can be used directly, or possible updated version can be found here:

https://www.iprhelpdesk.eu/IP-Charts-IP-Guides

Language(s):

English

Provider Organisation:

European IPR Helpdesk

Email: service@iprhelpdesk.eu 

IDENTIFICATION OF THE TOOL

Name:

ESPACENET - Guide

Provider:

European Patent Academy (part of Intellectual Property Teaching Kit)

Link to IP Teaching Kit (ESPACENET is part of module IP Search Tools):

https://www.epo.org/learning-events/materials/kit/download.html

Description:

ESPACENET is a comprehensive guide to the free patent search tool Espacenet, accessible via https://worldwide.espacenet.com

The original ideas behind Espacenet were to provide an internet platform for the EPO to display its own patent documents and those in the worldwide database, for the national offices to display their patent documents; to create initial access to patents for users in the member states in their own language; to create user-friendly access to patents for users who are not patent experts and to raise awareness of patents as a source of technical information.

Espacenet was not, however, intended to replace professional services such as those provided by patent agents.

The structure of patents is explained, as well as the search possibilities with Espacenet and the way the information is displayed.

The INPADOC legal status information is introduced and the useful link to the European Patent Register.

The importance of a patent can be judged by the number of citing documents, which is available via a link.

CPC classification search with keywords and by symbol is explained, as well as its use in the advanced search mask.

Saving and downloading of found patents is explained, as well as export of a result list as an Excel file with clickable links to the patents. If you carry out a successful search and you want to be updated when new documents conforming to that search enter the Espacenet database, then simply set up an RSS feed by clicking the RSS button towards the top left-hand corner of the search result screen.

USE OF THE TOOL

Target group:

For SME (self-study)

For Intermediaries (info before use of Espacenet and as training material)

Expertise level:

From entry level to intermediate level

AIDA level:

2 - 3

ELC:

1 – 5 (patent searches are important in all ELC phases)

1:1/1:x

1:1 and 1:x and self-study by SME

Availability:

Free access to all website visitors

Set-up:

Use the PowerPoint file together with an opened Espacenet website:

https://worldwide.espacenet.com

Language(s):

English, Deutsch, Francais and many others (links to 38 national versions)

Provider Organisation:

European Patent Academy

Email: academy@epo.org

USE OF THE TOOL

Target group:

Micro, small and medium enterprises and their consultants

Expertise level:

First step: no experience required (the questionnaire can be filled in online directly by the entrepreneur).

AIDA level:

1 - 4

1:1/1:x

1:1

Availability:

Free

Set-up:

Directly available on SPTO Website:

http://consultas2.oepm.es/ceo/

Language(s):

Spanish, English, Catalá, Galego, Euskera

Provider Organisation:

Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO)

Ph. +34 902 157 530

Email: soportefuncional@oepm.es

USE OF THE TOOL

Target group:

Micro, small and medium enterprises and their consultants

Expertise level:

First step: no experience required (the questionnaire can be filled in online directly by the entrepreneur).

AIDA level:

1 - 4

1:1/1:x

1:1

Availability:

Free

Set-up:

Directly available on SPTO Website:

http://consultas2.oepm.es/DisenosWeb/faces/busquedaInternet.jsp

Language(s):

Spanish, English

Provider Organisation:

Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO)

Ph. +34 902 157 530

Email: soportefuncional@oepm.es

USE OF THE TOOL

Target group:

Micro, small and medium enterprises and their consultants

Expertise level:

First step: no experience required (the questionnaire can be filled in online directly by the entrepreneur).

AIDA level:

1 - 4

1:1/1:x

1:1

Availability:

Free

Set-up:

Directly available on SPTO Website:

http://consultas2.oepm.es/InvenesWeb/faces/busquedaInternet.jsp

Language(s):

Spanish, English

Provider Organisation:

Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO)

Ph. +34 902 157 530

Email: soportefuncional@oepm.es

The EVLIA service available on support2finance.eu platform, will help the entrepreneurs to find out the most important Intangible Assets of their companies and present them a valuable method for a correct and complete valorisation of the intangible resources for improving their business.

The service consists in 2 steps:

1. Pre analisys: a short on line questionnaire with general information and 9 questions to get an overview of the Company’s Intangible Assets.
2. Company check up with experts: the result of the first step will be discussed with the support of an operator and an IP consultant (or directly with the company’s consultant) through a one-to-one meeting, during which will be completed a more detailed questionnaire finalized to have the following outputs:
   - Traditional budget analysis
   - Inventory of intangible assets and their function
   - Business needs and following strategy
   - Draft of the business project
   - Financial and business requirements
   - Intangible Asset Requirements and Valuation Paths.

The EVLIA IA valorisation service is actually available for micro, small and medium enterprises located in the following countries: Italy, Greek, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Romania and Germany.

IP Prediagnosis is a business support service for on-line pre-diagnosis of Industrial Property dedicated to SMEs.

Industrial Property Rights are an important business activity to protect and enhance: Trademarks, Patents, Patterns and Patterns are intangible assets that are increasingly valuable in evaluating companies and certifying their level of innovation and competitiveness.

The test consists of 21 closed-ended questions divided in 5 sections:

A. Development of innovation
B. Protection and strengthening of the Industrial Property
C. Violation of the Industrial Property
D. Industrial security and other protection forms
E. Industrial Property licenses owned

The final output of the test is a free custom report with:

General information for each section except for the last one
Customized analysis of how the single enterprise manages the wealth of knowledge
Tips for enhancing intangible assets
Indications of institutional channels that can support the single enterprise.

Install on a website. Free registration. Self evaluation by companies

USE OF THE TOOL

Target group:

Micro, small and medium enterprises and their consultants

Expertise level:

First step: no experience required

AIDA level:

1 - 4

1:1/1:x

1:1

Availability:

Free

Set-up:

Directly available on WIPO Website:

http://www.wipo.int/sme/en/multimedia/

Language(s):

Spanish, English, Hungarian, Polish, Thai, Vietnamese

Provider Organisation:

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

It was developed jointly by the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the Korea Invention Promotion Association and WIPO under a project entitled, ‘The Joint Development of E-learning Content’ from 2004 to 2007.

USE OF THE TOOL

Target group:

Micro, small and medium enterprises and their consultants

Expertise level:

First step: no experience required

AIDA level:

1 - 4

1:1/1:x

1:1

Availability:

Free

Set-up:

Directly available on SPTO Website:

http://www.oepm.es/en/signos_distintivos/index.html

Language(s):

Spanish, English

Provider Organisation:

Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO)

Ph. +34 902 157 530

Email: soportefuncional@oepm.es

Description:

The Guides assist small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), sector associations and research centres in understanding IP rights including trademarks, designs and patents. The Guides explain the advantages of IP for an SME, how to use it and find out more about it, including issues of counterfeiting. They also explain how to include IP issue in everyday business strategy. Following countries are covered: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,

Lithuania, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The publicationwas developed within IP Awareness and Enforcement: Modular Based Actions for SMEs project (IPeuropAware), co-financed by the CIP Programme, DG Enterprise and Industry of the European Commission

Language(s):

Bulgarian (B5 format), Czech, English, French, German, Greek, Hungarian (all 4 sectoral guides merged into one guide), Lithuanian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish

Set-up:

PDF documents, available online and as printed publication

Conditions of use:

Free of charge, can be adaptation without licensing agreement adapted version of the C / B to the member

Provider organisation:

University of Alicante (IPeuropAware project coordination team)

ipeuropaware@ua.es

CRP Henri Tudor (IPorta project coordination team)

iporta@tudor.lu / innovaccess@tudor.lu

 Date of revision:

05/2013

Date of creation:

2008-2010

Keywords:

IP Topic: Raising awareness; IP management; training business; providing consultancy services

IP Titles: Patent/utility model; trademark; industrial design; copyright and related rights; know-how, IPR enforcement

Form : PDF document

Free keywords:

Feedback on the application of the tool:

The IPR sectoral guides were adapted by many European countries and are available in diverse European languages

Description:

IP Response is an Internet based test of a company’s strategic processes concerning IP, which generates a free report for inspiration.

The purpose of the test is to provide insight into the company's way of handling knowledge and of the assets that knowledge creates. The test looks into whether the company works with strategies, processes and sharing of responsibility in relation to knowledge assets.

The test takes 10-12 minutes and will provide the company with insight into whether the company gets optimal return from its knowledge. The test consists of five questions within four themes.

The result is a report which can be used as inspiration for future work on IP.

Language(s):

Danish, English

Set-up:

Conditions of use:

The website is available in English and free of charge.

Provider organisation:

Danish Patent and Trademark Office

Jorgen Lindgreen Hansen, Business Development Counsellor

HelgeshojAllé 81

2630 Taastrup

DENMARK

Tel: +45 43 5 8000

Email : jlh@dkpto.dk

 Date of revision:

Date of creation:

Keywords:

IP Topic: Raising awareness; IP management; training business; providing consultancy services

IP Titles: Patent/utility model; trademark; industrial design; copyright and related rights; know-how

Form : website

Free keywords:

Feedback on the application of the tool:

 Description:

4 booklets with basic information for SMEs and innovators:

1. Invention and innovation: Synopsis on IP and intellectual assets, costs
2. Brief guide to patenting: Process, costs, ownership of patented technology
3. Consider licensing: Process, selection of partners, Licence Agreement
4. Collaborating: Possibilities of collaboration in the context of research and development, staff contact, commercial exploitation, education and training

Language(s):

English

Set-up:

Booklets, available as PDF documents

Conditions of use:

Licensing agreement with Scottish Enterprise

Provider organisation:

Scottish Enterprise

Innovation & Enterprise Services: Intellectual Assets & Innovation Systems

Mr Colin Meager

Head office and contact details:

Atrium Court

50 Waterloo Street

Glasgow G2 6HQ

United Kingdom

Tel: +44(0)141 204 1111

Fax: +44(0)141 248 1600

Direct Dial: 01750 726526

Mobile: 0788 0788 651

Email: Colin.Meager@scotent.co.uk

Date of revision:

11/2013

Date of creation:

2008

Keywords:

IP Topic: Raising awareness; IP management; providing consultancy services

IP Titles: Patent/utility model; trademark; industrial design; copyright and related rights; know-how

Form : PDF document           

Keywords : IP commercialisation, valorisation, protection, commercialization, exploitation, process, cost, patent technology ownership, collaboration, funding, licensing, innovation, strategy, intellectual assets

Feedback on the application of the tool:

The booklets “Invention and Innovation” and “Consider Licensing” have been adopted 2010 by the Hellenic Industrial Property Organization (OBI). For more details on the Greek publications please contact Ms Vivi Gaganatsou from OBI at bgag@obi.gr

.

 Description:

The flyer was produced by OBI with the collaboration of the main intermediaries, namely:

Trademarks and Copyrights authorities, Customs, Coordination Center Against Illicit Trade

(SYKAP), Special Financial Cases Directorate- Economic Crime Services, Police and EENHellas

Network coordinator. The flyer contains also, the contact details of these main

intermediaries for easy access mainly by the SMEs. On the inside, the intermediaries

responsible for the protection of IPRs are described together with the relevant titles

covered by these intermediaries. On the outside, the intermediaries responsible for the

enforcement of IPRs are described, together with their main competences. The flyer is in

Greek. The more up to date version of the flyer is at OBI's website

http://www.obi.gr/OBI/Portals/0/ImagesAndFiles/Files/leaflets/Flyer_Coun...

Es.pdf.

Language(s):

Greek

Set-up:

Paper version, can be provided on website as PDF version

Conditions of use:

Printing, distribution and translation of the Guide are free within the scope of

INNOVACCESS/IPorta project at each Partner's own cost and responsibility. Should there

be interest in translating the flyer, OBI would like to be kept informed.

Provider organisation:

OBI (HELLENIC INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY ORGANISATION)

- name: P.GAGANATSOU AND E.MANOUSOU

- address: 5, GIANNI STAVROULAKI STR. (FORMER PANDANASSIS STR.),

151 25 PARADISSOS AMAROUSSIOU, HELLAS

- phone number: 0030 210 6183527/6183540 RESPECTIVELY AND FOR OBI 0030 210

6183500

- e-mail: bgag@obi.gr and eman@obi.gr respectively and for OBI in general info@obi.gr

 Date of revision:

1st 05/2014

Date of creation:

2010

Keywords:

IP Topic: Helpdesk issues (whom to contact; how to provide information; marketing

aspects)

IP Titles: Patent/utility model; trademark; industrial design; copyright and related rights;

IP enforcement

Form: PDF document in paper version

Feedback on the application of the tool:

Success level from the customer side:

Nr. of users per year: originally 4.000 printed copies in 2010. In 2010, approx.2830

provided for end-users. In 2011, approx. 485 printed copies and 530 CDs with the flyer

saved on. In 2012, approx. 5 printed copies and 990 CDs with the flyer saved on. In 2013,

approx. 640 printed copies and 1050 CDs with the flyer saved on.

 Description:

The purpose of the “Intellectual Property Issues in Business Operations” guidebook is to address creativity and innovativeness and to help companies use intellectual property-related issues in their operations as a competitive factor, emphasizing the two following points in particular:

• Obtaining information (e.g., how to follow the technological development of our line of business and how to monitor the competitive situation and our competitors’ patent applications or other patents in order to avoid overlapping development.)
• Protection (e.g., how can we make the most of our own competence and, at the same time, make it more difficult for other players to act; how can we complicate the freedom of product development.)

Many companies are still rather unfamiliar with intellectual property-related issues, although they are in fact, an essential part of business operations.

One of the goals of this workbook is to illustrate what intellectual property means to companies in practice, and what benefits or sources of competitive edge it can offer.

This workbook was produced with a wide variety of users in mind, for example:

• Company management and key persons
• Service providers (e.g., patent, engineering and law offices)
• Expert companies
• Research institutes
• Colleges.

The workbook also serves as a summary for the above-mentioned target groups and helps them develop the company’s success and competitiveness. This workbook can also be used in connection with the company’s strategic circle, for example.

If the company has little experience in IP issues, it should consider taking along an expert for the first planning circle. There is also an appendix with (as an example) a list of available services and their providers, including databases, which the company can use.

Chapters 2 and 3 help to define the intellectual property issues of your company and to outline them in the business process and the product development process.

Language(s):

English

Set-up:

Conditions of use:

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/deed.en

Provider organisation:

National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland

Arkadiankatu 6 A, P.O.Box 1140,

FI - 00101 Helsinki FINLAND

Tel: +358 (0)9 6939 500

Fax: +358 (0)9 6939 5328

 Date of revision:

2009

Date of creation:

2005

Keywords:

IP Topic: Raising awareness; IP management; providing consultancy services; helpdesk issues

IP Titles: Patent/utility model; trademark; industrial design; know -how

Form : pdf document

Free keywords:

Feedback on the application of the tool:

The Swedish Association of Inventors used the book during the IPeuropAware project and found it very good (based on the feedback received from PRV).

The Polish Patent Office is adapting the book for Polish target audience and translating it into Polish in 2013 (currently under work).

For more information, please contact: Dorota Szlompek [mailto: dszlompek@uprp.pl]

 Description:

• “IA in a Can” is easily adapted for specific sectors or companies; prior uses include looking at pre-packaged software and with companies on products during internal training workshops.
• “IA Treasure Trail” assists to identify Intellectual Assets within a working environment.

Both tools are used to initiate brainstorming and discussions.

Language(s):

English

Set-up:

A manual guide as a PDF document and working documents with possible answers

Conditions of use:

Licensing agreement with Scottish Enterprise

Provider organisation:

Scottish Enterprise

Innovation & Enterprise Services: Intellectual Assets & Innovation Systems

Mr Colin Meager Head office and

contact details:

Atrium Court

50 Waterloo Street

Glasgow G2 6HQ

United Kingdom

Tel: +44(0)141 204 1111

Fax: +44(0)141 248 1600

Direct Dial: 01750 726526

Mobile: 0788 0788 651

Email:

Colin.Meager@scotent.co.uk

Date of revision:

11/2013

Date of creation:

2012 - 2013

Keywords:

IP Topic: Raising awareness; IP management; training business; providing consultancy services

IP Titles: Patents; know-how; trademarks; industrial designs; copyright; IP enforcement

Form: PDF document, template

Feedback on the application of the tool:

2013 an international training took place within IPorta project with focus on the methodology “Intellectual Assets Management”.

Manual guide was prepared for this training.

 Description:

These free bulletins contain information relating to the most relevant patents published in

specific technological sectors (aquaculture, footwear, biotechnology applied to the agricfood

sector, technology of new products applied to the agric-food sector, new technologies

for food preservation, metal mechanical sector, plastics transforming sector) analysed as

well as technological news resulting from the analysis of publications, conferences, business

announcements and other sources of interest

Conditions of use:

Tool can be used free of charge. Translation requires notification of the SPTO.

Provider organisation:

Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (SPTO)

Ph. +34 902 157 530

Email: soportefuncional@oepm.es

 Description:

Set of 4 e-learning modules in Spanish on patents database search

Language(s):

Spanish

Set-up:

Conditions of use:

Tool can be used free of charge. Translation needs notification of SPTO

Provider organisation:

Spanish Patent and Trademark Office - SPTO

Mónica Castilla Baylos / Jesús Calvo Herrando

Paseo de la Castellana 75 - 28046 Madrid

Tel. +34 91 349 55 78

 Date of revision:

Date of creation:

Keywords:

IP Topic:IP management; training business

IP Titles:Patent/utility model; geographical indication; IP enforcement

Form: pdf document

Free keywords:

Feedback on the application of the tool:

Description:
The cost tool allows visitors of the InnovAcces website to evaluate the different costs related to the acquisition and maintenance of IP rights in European countries.
Different kinds of costs have to be taken into account when Intellectual Property rights are related to a product. There is first the money spent to acquire the rights, validate and maintain them in a country. Fees are perceived by consultants and national offices to give a monopole to the applicant. Furthermore, defence of the rights may include an extra cost because of procedure and representative required at the Court in case of legal pursuits.
The tool has been developed in the framework of IPorta project by the members of InnovAccess Network. Basis of the tool are the data saved in the section “National information” of innovaccess.eu website.
The information is provided by National Patent and Trade Mark Offices, or other national members of InnovAccess Network.
The Cost tool can be useful in a wide variety of situations. For example, when you are:
• deciding in which country to apply for an IP title,
• evaluating the costs related to the acquisition of IP rights in European countries, and
• determining the feasibility of a capital purchase for the acquisitionand maintenance of IP rights.
However, bear in mind that the Costtool is best suited for making quick and simple financial decisions. More robust approaches are commonly used for more complex, business - critical or high cost decisions.

Language(s):
English

Set-up:
Cost tool can be reached without registration on the website

Conditions of use:
no registration needed, dedicated for direct use by enterprises

Provider organisation:
IPorta project consortium
Mr Jeremie Fenichel
INPI-F - Direction des brevets
15 rue des Minimes
92400 COURBEVOIE
Tél: +33 156 65 81 61
jfenichel@inpi.fr

Date of revision:
03/2013

Date of creation:
2010

Keywords:
IP Topic: IP management; providing consultancy services; helpdesk issues
IP Titles: Patent ; utility model; trademark

 Description:

Online databases, enabling the customers to verify the existence of a given

trademark/domain name, simultaneously and free of charge.

Language(s):

Portuguese

Set-up:

Use by the NPO to deliver a new service to the customer. Direct use by the customer.

The Online Integrated Trademark and Domain Name Search is a service method, developed

by INPI with the collaboration of FCCN (the entity which is responsible in Portugal for the

protection of domain names). This tool integrates, in a common interface, both INPI’s

(trademarks) and FCCN’s (domain names “.PT”) Databases, enabling the customers to verify

the existence of a given trademark/domain name, simultaneously and free of charge.

Conditions of use:

This service is provided on INPI’s website, on the section Online Services. For the time being,

the service is only available on the Portuguese section of the website. It is also possible to

access directly this service through the following link:

http://servicosonline.inpi.pt/pesquisas/main/marcasdominiosptpt.jsp

Provider organisation:

Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property

Campo das Cebolas

1149-035 Lisboa

PORTUGAL

Tel: +351 21 881 81 00

Fax: +351 21 887 85 08

Email: dripi@inpi.pt

 Date of revision:

06/2013

Date of creation:

September 2009

Keywords:

IP Topic: Training business

IP Titles: trademark

Form: website

Free keywords: trademarks; domain name; .pt

Feedback on the application of the tool:

In only four months this service has over 25,000 views. The general feedback about this tool

highlights the simplicity and ease of use that has contributed to the speed, rationalization

and simplification of registration of trademarks and domain names.

 Description:

The tool provides simple methodologies to search for trademarks online.

Three ways are described in the tool:

• Search to find German trade marks, which have been registered, applied for,

cancelled, withdrawn or refused;

• Search to find community trademarks which have been registered, applied for,

withdrawn, refused, rejected or cancelled or have lapsed;

• Search to find international registrations and applications of marks under the

Madrid system that is effective in the countries designated by the applicant.

Language(s):

German; English

Set-up:

The tool material is freely available and downloadable under

http://www.dpma.de/docs/service/veroeffentlichungen/flyer/recherchemarke...

http://www.dpma.de/docs/service/veroeffentlichungen/flyer_en/recherchema...

f

Conditions of use:

The tool can be adopted free of charge, without license agreement.

Provider organisation:

Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt

Zweibrückenstraße 12

D - 80331 München

GERMANY

Tel: +49 89 2195-3402

Fax: +49 89 2195-2221

E-mail: info@dpma.de

 Date of revision:

5/2013

Date of creation:

2009

Keywords:

IP Topic: Brokering information

IP Titles: Trademark, know-how

Form: PDF document

Free keywords:

Feedback on the application of the tool:

 Description:

The tool provides simple methodologies to search for designs online.

Three ways are described in the tool:

• Search to find German national designs (from 1988 onwards) and cancelled design

registrations (from 1989 onwards);

• Search to find registered Community designs (since 2003) that are effective within

the European Union and thus in Germany, too;

• Search to find international design registrations from 1999 onwards that are

effective in the countries designated by the applicant.

Language(s):

English, German

Set-up:

The tool material is freely available and downloadable under

http://www.dpma.de/docs/service/veroeffentlichungen/flyer_en/recherchegs...

http://www.dpma.de/docs/service/veroeffentlichungen/flyer/recherchegsm_dt.pdf

Conditions of use:

The tool can be adopted free of charge, without license agreement.

Provider organisation:

Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt

Zweibrückenstraße 12

D - 80331 München

GERMANY

tel: +49 89 2195-3402

Fax: +49 89 2195-2221

E-mail: info@dpma.de

 Date of revision:

5/2013

Date of creation:

2008

Keywords:

IP Topic: Brokering information

IP Titles: industrial design, know-how

Form: PDF document

Free keywords:

Feedback on the application of the tool:

Description:

The target groups of this printed booklet are entrepreneurs and SMEs who are unaware how to utilize IP and IPRs in their businesses.

The booklet is based on examples and business cases on successful companies in Finland that have utilized IP in creating new products and have made most of IP and IPRs in their businesses. The idea is to bring IP issues closer to a “typical SME” that is not concerned with IP/IPRs using success stories on Finnish SMEs managing and exploiting their IP thereby creating added value and competitive advantage.

The booklet (16 pages incl. covers) contains:

• 5 narrative examples (short stories) on different situations, or phases of a company's life cycle that a company encounters emphasising the role of IP/IPR issues in those, namely: 1) establishing a company, 2) developing a new product, 3)  entering a new market, 4) ensuring the sustainability of a business, and 5) sales of a company
• business cases related to the above situations,
• contact information of relevant services (in Finland),
• and an IP toolbox table of suitable IP tools (such as forms of IPRs, sources of IP information) for different business scenarios and business cases.

Language(s):

Finnish

Set-up:

Conditions of use:

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/deed.en

Provider organisation:

National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (PRH)

Olli Ilmarinen, Product Manager

Tel:+358 9 6939 5236

Fax +358 9 6939 5322

Email: olli.ilmarinen@prh.fi

 Date of revision:

2009

Date of creation:

2010

Keywords:

IP Topic: Raising awareness; IP management; training business; providing consultancy services; helpdesk issues

IP Titles: patent/utility model; know-how

Form : PDF document

Free keywords:

Feedback on the application of the tool:

 Description:

A guide for all businesses (non-industry specific, developed especially for SMEs) to increase

and intensify the use of patent information for enhanced technology and competitive

intelligence.

The guide explains why it is important to know and use patent information throughout the

product development process (extended product development process starting from the

screening of ideas until the end of product life-cycle). It also explains how to find patent

information using Esp@cenet.

The guide is aimed at anyone who wants to know what patent information is, where and

how it can be obtained, and most importantly, how it can be utilised to enhance product

development.

The index of the document is the following:

0. Introduction

1. Sources of Patent Information

2. Why Patent Information is Needed and How It Should Be Acquired at Different

Stages of Product Development

3. Instructions to Acquiring Information Oneself Using Esp@cenet

4. Instructions to Acquiring Information Using Professionals (Professional Services)

5. Structure of Patent Publications

6. Appendix

Language(s):

Finnish

Set-up:

Conditions of use:

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/deed.en

Provider organisation:

National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR)

Olli Ilmarinen, Product Manager

Arkadiankatu 6 A

00100 HELSINKI

FINLAND

Tel: +358 9 6939 5236

Fax +358 9 6939 5322

Email: olli.ilmarinen@prh.fi

 Date of revision:

2009

Date of creation:

2005

Keywords:

IP Topic:IP management

IP Titles:Patent/utility model; know-how

Form: PDF document

Free keywords:

Feedback on the application of the tool:

Information on and instructions how to use Espacenet are partially outdated since they are

based on the previous Espacenet version. Does not contain new features/search masks.

Description:
Guide for all businesses (non-industry specific, developed especially for SMEs) to enhance the use and registration of trademarks.
Guide explains how to protect, use and defend a trademark. Guide is aimed at anyone who wants to know what a trademark is, what can be registered as a trademark, and how a trademark can be used to support one's business.
An index of the guidebook for “Trademarks in Business” is available as follows:
1. Trademarks
2. Protection of Trademark
3. Types of Trademark
4. Use of Trademark
5. Enforcement of Trademarks

Language(s):
Finnish

Set-up:
NA

Conditions of use:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/deed.en

Provider organisation:
National Board of Patents and Registration of Finland (NBPR)
Olli Ilmarinen, Product Manager
Arkadiankatu 6 A
00100 HELSINKI
FINLAND
Tel: +358 9 6939 5236
Fax : +358 9 6939 5322
e-mail: olli.ilmarinen@prh.fi

Date of revision:
2008

Date of creation:
2007

Keywords:
IP Topic: Training business
IP Titles: Trademark
Form: PDF document

Feedback on the application of the tool:
NA

Description:

IPscore can help IP service providers e.g. PATLIB centres and small and medium-sized enterprises evaluate patents and patent portfolios.

The EPO has purchased IPscore from the Danish Patent Office who developed it in close co-operation with industry.

IPscore is

• a Microsoft Access-based tool for the evaluation and management of patents
• a catalyst for dialogue about patents within a company
•  a guide for identifying potential gains and opportunities for saving costs

IPscore can be used to evaluate

• individual patents
• patented technologies
• R&D projects, even if no patent yet exists
• ideas and project proposals

IPscore consists of

• 40 assessment factors
• predefined scales that guide the responses
• a quick estimate of a patent's monetary value (net present value)
• reports on a single patent or a whole patent portfolio
•  a database providing documentation and evaluation updates

Language(s):

English

Set-up:

Regular training courses on the use of the IP Score database are offered by EPO. To find out more about IPscore training, see information about EPO recent event "Patent portfolio management with IPscore" or search the calendar of events for the keyword "IPscore".

Conditions of use:

The tool may be used by a NPO and/or directly by a SME.

A registration form is available at the following link: www.epo.org/ipscore

Provider organisation:

European Patent Office

Johannes Schaaf

Administrator Patent Information Promotion & Training | Dir. 5.5.3

Rennweg 12

1030 Vienna

AUSTRIA

Tel. +43 (0)1 52126 4535

Email : jschaaf@epo.org

 Date of revision:

Date of creation:

Keywords:

IP Topic: IP management; providing consultancy services

IP Titles: Patent/utility model; trademark; industrial design; know-how

Form : website

Free keywords:

Feedback on the application of the tool:

The tool was adapted by the Spanish IP office and is also available on its website.