Research & Webinars
Here we provide a number of reports and research summaries related to SMEs and innovation. You will find additional materials in our main research section.
Papers, briefs and publications
High-growth firms and intellectual property rights. IPR profile of high-potential SMEs in Europe, May 2019
by European Patent Office
This study assesses whether SMEs that make more frequent use of IPRs are more likely to become high-growth firms (HGF). It also examines the particular ways in which HGFs shape their IPR strategies prior to experiencing high growth.
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Categories: SMEs, Patent Strategy
4 Reasons to Patent
by 4iP Council
This flyer aims to help European SMEs unlock all the value of patents and is also available in an on-line interactive version within our 4SMEs section. It was developed by 4iP Council's broad network of academics and supporters with content input from seven well known IP stakeholders. The work identifies four key benefits to patenting - market access, negotiating, funding and strategic value - and breaks these down simply into methods for value-creation.
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Categories: SMEs, Infographics, IP Management
SME Patent Strategies for IoT-Based Business Models
Hector Axel Contreras Alvarez LL.M.
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Categories: Internet of Things (IoT), Patent Strategy, Business Models, Cyber-Physical Systems, IP Management, Industry 4.0
Injunctions in European Patent Law
by Prof. Dr. Lea Tochtermann of Mannheim University
The paper covers the legal basis for the discussion on proportionality within TRIPS, European law as well as in selected European jurisdictions, focusing on Germany. It provides an outlook on whether the demand for legislative action is justified. An understanding of the legal background for the proportionality discussion within TRIPS, European law and selected European jurisdictions is offered as well as perspective on the proportionality discussion and its implications concerning the patent system as a whole. The paper was developed by Prof. Tochtermann as a resource supporting the 4iP Council webinar she presented on 14 May 2019 (see our Webinar page). It is a short version of the paper entitled ‘Injunctions in European Patent Law’ published January 2020 in ZGE/IPJ - Zeitschrift für Geistiges Eigentum/Intellectual Property Journal which is available in english and german at https://www.mohrsiebeck.com/artikel/injunctions-in-european-patent-law-101628zge-2019-0018.
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Categories: IP Enforcement, IP and Competition Law, Legislation
Patents in the Fashion Industry
Axel Ferrazzini, Managing Director, 4iP Council This article which appeared in the IPR Helpdesk Bulletin, Issue 29, April-June 2018 page 6, explores the growing use of patents in the fashion industry covering why and how they are being used.
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Categories: Patent System and Patent Quality
"Race ahead commercially and keep making the product better and better and better"
4iP Council talks to Dr Alex von Frankenberg, the Managing Director of seed investor High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) to understand better the role of patents in investment decision-making.
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4 Essentials of Trade Secrets
Interactive guide to help European SMEs unlock all the value of registering trademarks.
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4 Reasons to Patent
Interactive guide to help European SMEs unlock all the value of patents.
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4 Reasons 4 Copyright
Interactive guide to help European SMEs unlock all the value of copyright.