This awareness-raising webinar introduces researchers, project managers, and innovation stakeholders from Widening countries to the fundamentals and strategic importance of intellectual property (IP) protection and management in EU-funded projects and beyond.
Participants will gain a practical understanding of how to identify, protect, manage, and exploit intellectual assets generated through research and innovation activities, with a focus on Horizon Europe requirements and opportunities. Special attention will be given to the specific challenges and opportunities faced by Widening countries, including capacity gaps, institutional support structures, and pathways to increase innovation uptake and commercial impact.
Through real-life examples (from HE Widening pillar projects) and interactive elements, the webinar will help participants move from basic awareness to more proactive and strategic IP practices.
Agenda
14:00 – 14:10: Join Zoom & Introduction
14:10 – 14:20 Presentation of the widerAdvance Facility
14:20 – 14.50 IP Fundamentals and IP in Horizon Europe
What is a Result? What IP can be linked?
- Ownership of results
- Joint ownership
- Access rights
- Background vs Results
- Consortium agreements: what to watch out for
- Exploitation & dissemination obligations
- Common mistakes in proposals and implementation
Break
15:00 - 15:15 IP protection and management in practice (Part1)
- IP protection: Patent vs trade secret
- Searching for novelty: browsing patent, journal and other databases
- Timing issues (publish vs protect dilemma)
- Cost considerations and support schemes
- Role of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs)
15:15 - 15:35 IP protection and management in practice (Part2)
- Setting up an IP management process
- Turning IP into impact
- EC/Horizon Europe IP support tools
15.35 – 15:55: Mentimeter exercise on IPR protection and management
15:55 – 16:00: Wrap up
