One of the most exciting developments in surgery being seen today is the application of augmented reality. This innovative imaging technology assists surgeons by mixing real vision of a patient’s body with digital information (e.g. vital signs or anatomical atlases) in real time, making procedures safer and more affordable. João Barreto, an entrepreneurial professor from the Portuguese University of Coimbra and the founder of Perceive 3D, took up the challenge to commercialise a promising technology in medical imaging, despite the small size of the local market. Together with José Ricardo Aguilar, Head of Legal/IP at Instituto Pedro Nunes, Prof. Barreto will explain how broad patent protection and a vibrant innovation eco-system paved the way for market success.

Read the case study

Meeting virtually for an after-work chat in the European Patent Bar, three patent attorneys discuss their work on the SACEPO Working Party on Guidelines. The latest version of the EPC and PCT-EPO Guidelines for examination have been published and come into force on 1 March. The experts discuss some of the key changes to the Guidelines, and the most significant topics which provoked debate within the Working Party, like adaptation to the description, claim-like clauses, colour drawings and changes proposed by the examiner. They even discuss what issues they expect to address in future (e.g. oral proceedings by videoconference). The EPO’s current user consultation on the Guidelines (until 15 April) invites more feedback from all patent professionals!

The views of the speakers are their own and not necessarily those of the EPO, epi, FICPI or BusinessEurope, nor of EP&C, PV or BASF.

Moderator: Jordi Kox, associate partner at EP&C in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Guests: Anette Hegner, senior European patent attorney at PV in Hellerup near Copenhagen, Denmark and Heiko Sendrowski, senior counsel at BASF in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany

Take part in the online consultation

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is already disrupting prototyping and production in many fields. It brings flexibility to the manufacturing process and unprecedented design freedom, heralding a future with broader creative possibilities. 

A leading researcher in 3D printing technologies and Cubicure’s co-founder, Prof. Jürgen Stampfl and Karin Hofmann, one of TU Vienna`s leading patent and licensing managers, explain how a long-term technology transfer strategy with a smart allocation of IP usage rights established an international hub for state-of-the art-research in additive manufacturing as well as the creation of several successful spin-outs, such as Cubicure.

Read the case study

The speed, weight and power of the latest e-bikes can surprise many riders – they need better brakes. With electrical power on board, it is now possible to integrate anti-lock braking systems (ABS) specifically adapted to make this increasingly popular mode of green transport safer. Listen to Blubrake’s co-founder, Fabio Todeschini and technology transfer expert Professor Granieri explain how a smart patenting strategy turned engineers into entrepreneurs, leading to a successful spin-out from the Politecnico di Milano and their partner incubator e-Novia.

Moderator: Stephanie Weber, Communication Manager, European IP Helpdesk

Guests: Massimiliano Granieri, Professor of Law at the University of Brecia and Fabio Todeschini, General Manager of Blubrake

Read the case study

Thanks to Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, scientists now have a precise method to grow heart, lung, skeletal and vascular tissue for transplants, disease modelling, or drug testing. The Popular Prize winner at the European Inventor Award 2021 spoke to IP journalist James Nurton about her career, mentoring students, and advancements in tissue engineering.

Read more about Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic

How can technology reverse climate change? Icelandic innovators are collaborating worldwide and using their geological know-how to tackle humankind’s greatest challenge. Intellectual property attorney María Kristjánsdóttir (LEX / GH Sigurgeirsson IP) and Bergur Sigfússon (head of CO2 capture and injection, CarbFix) discuss carbon capture and how IP can facilitate planet-saving partnerships.

The rate at which plastics are produced (about 50 million tonnes per year) is outpacing our ability to manage the resulting waste. New technologies will help us all to better reduce, reuse and recycle plastics. Patent examiners Wibke Meiser and Maxime Dossin are two of the co-authors of the EPO’s latest study that reveals the innovation trends in chemical and biological recycling, as well as the growth in research into plastics that can self-repair and are easier to recycle. In this podcast they share their detailed knowledge of these booming technologies and interpret the statistics and trends in global innovation as measured through international patent filings. The episode is moderated by Jeremy Philpott, Communications Manager, EPO.

This is the remarkable story of how four female researchers from a Turkish university laboratory secured market success for their new product to treat chronic wounds. It is told by Evren, one of the researchers and a co-founder of the spin-off company Dermis Pharma, and Mustafa, the university’s commercialisation manager. They reveal how a collaborative approach to commercialising patented technology can overcome unforeseen setbacks. The podcast is one of several based on the inspiring technology transfer case studies that the EPO published in summer 2021.

Henrik Lindström and Giovanni Fili pioneered a new type of solar cell that can even harvest electricity indoors. Their invention enables self-charging devices and highlights the role of technology in combatting climate change. For their work, the Swedish innovators received the European Inventor Award in the Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) category in 2021. IP journalist James Nurton moderates this episode.

Read more about Henrik Lindström and Giovanni Fili 

Physicist Karl Leo tells us how his doped OLEDs transformed electronics and could contribute towards a more sustainable future. He also offers inspiring advice to young innovators and provides a fascinating look at his career. Leo won the European Inventor Award in Lifetime achievement in 2021. This episode is moderated by James Nurton. 

Read more about Karl Leo