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SME case studies
Small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) are a key factor in the economic development and innovation. And Intellectual Property (IP) plays a crucial role in fostering innovation. However, the available information on important IP issues for SMEs, which takes into account their special needs such as time and resource constraints, actual knowledge and required understandable "business" language, is still limited. Thus, many SMEs are challenged by the peculiarities of the IP system.
Acknowledging these facts and the paramount importance of SMEs the EPO compiled in cooperation with the Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO), the French Industrial Property Office (INPI), the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) and the UK Intellectual Property Office a series of SME case studies on IP. All case studies are the result of intensive interviews with the individual companies.
The objective of these case studies is to provide hands-on information on how real SMEs manage their IP and thereby
- Increase SMEs' awareness of IP and relevant IP institutions
- Promote a more active and effective use of IP - especially of the patent system - by SMEs and
- Enhance competitiveness of SMEs and strengthen their innovation efforts
On the basis of these case studies we were able to formulate 12 key recommendations for SMEs in the area
of IP management.
Any kind of feedback, comments and/or questions are highly welcome and should be directed to sme@epo.org.
Please note that we plan to continually add resources to this site.