The Touchy Side of Innovation: The Risks of Sharing Your Ideas Without a Non-Disclosure Agreement

Innovation is at the heart of entrepreneurship, and as an innovator, you are likely to be excited to share your ideas with potential investors, partners, or customers. However, disclosing your innovation project without a non-disclosure agreement can be risky, as it can potentially expose your intellectual property and confidential information to others without any legal Read more about The Touchy Side of Innovation: The Risks of Sharing Your Ideas Without a Non-Disclosure Agreement[…]

Major patent filing trends in space technologies

A new study published today reveals the global patenting trends in cosmonautics – showing how different actors both public and private are driving forward innovations in areas like propulsion, systems control and onboard power. When the first man went into orbit sixty years ago, space technologies were the exclusive domain of just a few state Read more about Major patent filing trends in space technologies[…]

What is the link between innovation and financial performance

A large-scale study of the link between innovation and financial performance in Australian companies has found more innovative companies post higher future profits and stock returns. The findings highlight the significant financial benefits of innovation for companies, which in turn supports job creation and economic growth. The study, conducted by Dr Anna Bedford, Dr Le Read more about What is the link between innovation and financial performance[…]

Study highlights economic benefits of owning intellectual property rights – especially for small businesses

A new study released by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) shows that companies which own at least one patent, registered design or trade mark generate on average 20 % higher revenues per employee than companies which do not own any of those intellectual property rights (IPRs). Moreover, Read more about Study highlights economic benefits of owning intellectual property rights – especially for small businesses[…]

Patent research grants – call for proposals 2020

The EPO is pleased to announce a new call for proposals for funding under its Academic Research Programme. The EPO recognises the importance of high-quality research on patent-related intellectual property (IP) matters to inform policymakers and facilitate sound business decisions in a context where intangible assets, innovation and IP rights have become pivotal in the Read more about Patent research grants – call for proposals 2020[…]

European Inventor Award 2018 finalists announced

They have found innovative ways to tackle health issues, reduce pollution, boost alternative energies and equip us with technology for the digital age. The 15 finalists for the European Inventor Award 2018, announced by the European Patent Office (EPO), have all made significant contributions to advancing technology, generating economic value and creating employment in Europe Read more about European Inventor Award 2018 finalists announced[…]

SME case studies highlights importance of patents for Europe’s SMEs

The EPO has published a set of 12 case studies which show how Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are successfully using patents for their business. The studies form a part of the EPO’s efforts to support smaller companies in better protecting their inventions. The publication aims to raise awareness of the importance of patents Read more about SME case studies highlights importance of patents for Europe’s SMEs[…]

NASA Makes Dozens of Patents Available in Public Domain to Benefit U.S. Industry

NASA has released 56 formerly-patented agency technologies into the public domain, making its government-developed technologies freely available for unrestricted commercial use. In addition to the release of these technologies, a searchable database now is available that catalogs thousands of expired NASA patents already in the public domain. These technologies were developed to advance NASA missions Read more about NASA Makes Dozens of Patents Available in Public Domain to Benefit U.S. Industry[…]