Making the most of intellectual property
Every day, the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) helps individuals, start-ups and SMEs realise their potential in the field of intellectual property. With the launch of the IP Academy, the IGE now offers services that are even more tailored to the needs of creatives and innovators.
Attractive new information services have been added to the existing range of services. The focus is on providing basic knowledge:
How can businesses adequately protect their innovations and creations?
When is the right time to do so?
What should a protection strategy include?
The new offerings are tailored to different needs and can be combined as desired:
Free online basic workshops provide participants with the essentials about trademarks, patents and designs in a short time.
One-to-one consultations allow specific questions to be addressed directly with an IP expert.
Database search
IP-Info PLUS teaches participants how to access valuable technical knowledge free of charge. An expert will demonstrate how to search patent databases, enabling innovators to see where they stand with their inventions. Such searches can also be inspiring, as patents are published 18 months after filing.
More services will follow soon. For example, from November 2024, the IP Management Workshop will explore different IP strategies.
5 tips for managing intellectual property
Think about protecting your innovations and creations as intellectual property: Trademarks, patents, designs and copyrights are powerful tools to prevent misuse.
Protect your creations early. This will prevent competitors from registering your ideas as their intellectual property and potentially restricting your business activities.
Ensure that your products and services do not infringe the intellectual property of others. This will help you avoid legal warnings or disputes.
Use publicly available trade mark and patent databases. They can be a source of inspiration and a basis for decisions, such as determining the novelty of an invention.
Turn your intellectual property into revenue: You can sell trademarks, patents, designs and copyrights, or license them to others for royalties.
Remember: Intellectual property rights are not mandatory, but a conscious approach to intellectual property is essential.