Eurice, EPO, and EEN Collaborate to Train European IP Helpdesk Ambassadors on the New Unitary Patent

As part of the European IP Helpdesk's activities coordinated by Eurice, the team joined forces last week with the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Enterprise Network (EEN) to conduct a training session for the European IP Helpdesk Ambassadors in Munich. More than 35 Ambassadors, other IP experts and representatives from the European Commission came together both in person and virtually for the successful training session.

Boasting a great line-up of high-level speakers from the EPO, the training agenda covered a multitude of aspects, ranging from a ‘how to’ of enforcing patents to IP in sustainability and international business, while a specific focus was placed on a deep dive into the new unitary patent and its benefits for SMEs. Offering uniform protection across all participating countries on a one-stop-shop basis, the Unitary Patent provides significant cost advantages and reduces administrative burdens.

The programme was complemented by updates on the PATLIB network, emphasising its role in providing access to patent information and services across Europe, as well as insights into the EPO-led High-growth Technology Business initiative, which aims to support and promote technology-driven businesses with high growth potential.

The more than 40 Ambassadors are a team of intellectual property (IP) experts working for organisations such as chambers of commerce, innovation agencies, and Tech Transfer Organisations in 27 European countries. These organisations are enrolled in the EEN, a network funded by the European Commission that provides support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions. Eurice created the Ambassador scheme 10 years ago to improve outreach with regard to IP in different EU regions.

The next training session for the Ambassadors will take place in Brussels in November.