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The
business model of biotech firms often relies heavily on
intellectual property rights, in particular patents, as
they are often the most crucial asset they own in a
sector that is extremely research-intensive, high risk,
and with relatively low imitation costs.
This is particularly the case for SMEs, many of which
are relatively recently established, and an important
number of which have yet to take a product to market.
Often, biotechnology SMEs are established on the basis
of one or more patents developed within, or in
partnership with, public research organisations or
universities, and thus, these intellectual property rights
are essentially their products for a long time – for
some, even the final product.
Investors in biotech companies are generally well aware
of the centrality of patents and the survival of such
companies may very well depend on their ability to
convince investors that they have a solid IP strategy
and that risks are kept to a minimum. Therefore, a
support network to ensure SMEs are protecting their IP
as solidly as possible, is vital. |
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IPR-Helpdesk
and InnovAccess have joined efforts to provide
assistance in IP matters to SMEs and other stakeholders.
IPR-Helpdesk
focuses on the specific IP issues involved in R&D and
innovation in EU funded projects. The website is aimed at contractors taking part or
wishing to take part in EU-funded research and technological
development projects. Extensive free resources and
documentation section on general IPR issues, how and why to
protect ideas, a glossary and an IPR bulletin as well as
specific information on managing IPR in an EU research
project.
InnovAccess gives you direct access to national
resources and general IP issues.
The website provides extensive general information on
why and how to protect your ideas, on the costs of the
protection and also lists
specific rules for biotechnologies among other areas.
Country specific information provided by the National Patent
Offices is also available. |
