EIT Digital Business Development Accelerator organised a training event in Darmstadt to support start-ups in protecting and managing their Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

One of the most important questions regarding the establishment of a business venture is the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). Intellectual property is one of the most important assets that are increasing significantly the competitiveness. This means that also start-up companies should reflect this aspect within their entrepreneurial activities.

Following the understanding that the role of IPRs should not be underestimated in the knowledge society, a training event was organized in Darmstadt. The organizer was Dr. h.c. Wolfgang Kniejski – Business Developer in EIT Digital. The seminar was oriented exactly to the start-ups with inventions in different areas, and many entrepreneurs were invited to participate.

Lecturer on the seminar was one of the most respected experts in the area, Rüdiger Spies, LL.M., from LifeTech IP (Spies Danner & Partners). He presented the topic in details and answered to all specific questions that were raised by representatives of start-ups and innovation activities.

Thus the seminar turned into a training event, tailored specifically for the participants’ needs. Participants got an overview on the different types of IPR, and various means of IPR protection were discussed. Participants also gained insights into different filing strategies and the importance of ‘Freedom to Operate’ aspects.

One of the most valuable moments on the seminar was the discussion of specific real-life examples that the lecturer used to illustrate strategic IPR management. Current challenges faced by the participants were also taken into consideration for the analysis of different IPR options.

At the end all participants were highly satisfied: “I went to EIT Digital event on 15th July in Darmstadt. It was excellent. Many of us recognized that we have learned a lot. The events of EIT Digital address the important gaps for startups”, one of the participating start-up entrepreneurs stated. A participating EU project manager added: “I am extremely delighted by the lecturer and as well from the whole organization of the seminar. It was on the highest level. For me it was important to receive as much as possible information about IPR management; and this goal is accomplished. I think that my project will gain a lot from this event – not only knowledge but also an expert. We consider inviting Mr. Rüdiger Spies for a similar seminar in our consortium.”

During the breaks and after the seminar all participants had the opportunity to exchange thoughts in get-together sessions.

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For more information please contact
Dr. h.c. Wolfgang Kniejski
+49 160 96665764
wolfgang.kniejski@eitdigital.eu