The EPO has produced a series of case studies on European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which are leveraging the power of patents and other IP rights to achieve business success.
SMEs from different countries, operating in different industries and technology sectors, were interviewed about their IP strategies and underlying business models. The resulting case studies illustrate how new and established SMEs have developed the IP management capabilities they need, and how they are using IP to their advantage.
Using red algae to fight the flu
As a drug discovery company, Marinomed relies heavily on patents. Its inventions are validated in almost 100 countries. The company actively manages and enforces its IP portfolio, which also includes some trade marks. Exploitation of its IP is based on two main licensing models.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Marinomed (EN) (PDF, 476 KB) |
| Marinomed (DE) (PDF, 476 KB) | |
| Book chapter | IP for investors (EN) (PDF, 1MB) |
Recycling waste heat to cool down the planet
This former university spin-off sells standard components for heat power generators that recycle waste heat by turning it into electricity. Early acquisition of university patents was vital in order to attract funding. Orcan co-operates with other companies, but simplifies its patent management by avoiding joint ownership.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Orcan Energy (EN) (PDF, 733 kB) |
| Orcan Energy (DE) (PDF, 588 KB) | |
| Book chapter | From spin-out to international player (EN) (PDF, 1866 kB) |
Breathing new life into aerosol drug delivery
When a company transforms from a small start-up to a global leader in aerosol technology for drug delivery in acute care, its strategic partners must be able to rely on the quality and protection of the products on offer. Key to addressing this challenge is a strong patent portfolio protecting both the core technology as well as a diverse range of product applications.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Aerogen (EN) (PDF, 408 kB) |
| Aerogen (DE) (PDF, 225 KB) | |
| Aerogen (FR) (PDF, 223 KB) |
At the cutting edge of cardiopulmonary diagnostics
This medical device company is founded on sound IP. Sound IP increases visibility and recognition, facilitates co-operation with partners and justifies premium prices. Establishing IP early in the process safeguards investment in R&D and offers protection from imitation until compliance with regulatory standards is achieved.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Cosmed (PDF, 574 kB) |
Smart infusion pumps for treating patients at home
As a medical technology company, Micrel uses patents and patent information strategically to safeguard future product lines, ensure freedom to operate and find inspiration for new technical developments.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Micrel (PDF, 286 kB) |
Integrating ICT creates solutions for the Internet of Things
Working on the Internet of Things, the company profited from a pending patent application, using it as an asset when negotiating freedom to operate for some of its business.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Webdyn (EN) (PDF, 248 KB) |
| Webdyn (FR) (PDF, 203 KB) |
Snowflake pattern precipitates a new application for antennae
Fractus, a producer of antennae, has built its business success on licensing its patented technology. Its robust IP portfolio and its commitment to enforcing its rights strengthen its position in licensing negotiations and safeguard further R&D investments.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Fractus (PDF, 4333 kB) |
Leveraging IP: from research tools to industry applications
IP protection helped Ekspla to enter the market for industrial laser applications and take part in publicly funded international projects. Ekspla engages in joint patenting with its partners and combines patents with trade secrets where appropriate.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Ekspla (PDF, 793 kB) |
Capacitance creates a watershed in purification
As a producer of advanced materials for energy storage, Skeleton knows that it needs a strong patent portfolio if it is to keep on improving its technology and expanding its market. Employees at Skeleton are cross-trained so that everyone can support the IP strategy and its alignment with the company's R&D efforts.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Skeleton (PDF, 397 kB) |
Capacitance creates a watershed in purification
Obtaining patents for its water-softening and deionisation technology enabled Voltea to spin out from a larger company. The patents helped it to attract investors, set up co-operation with partners, and ultimately establish itself as a leader in the field.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Voltea (PDF, 372 kB) |
Additive manufacturing (3D printing) opens a new chapter for ceramics
University-owned patents created the springboard for this spin-off to enter the market for Additive manufacturing (3D-printed) ceramics in industrial applications. Measures stimulating the creativity of staff and research partners yield new and patentable ideas, supporting the build-up of the company’s patent portfolio and strengthening its market position.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Lithoz (EN) (PDF, 321 kB) |
| Lithoz (DE) (PDF, 280 KB) | |
| Video | Working with inspiring technology – Lithoz |
| Study | Patents and Additive Manufacturing - full report (EN) |
| Further information | The future of manufacturing |
Pipe repairs that break the rules but not the walls
This traditional construction and renovation contractor expanded its activities to include the development of mechanical solutions. The decision to patent these solutions meant that sales of the resulting products, which are in part easy to copy, now play a major role in the company’s success.
| Type of material | Download |
|---|---|
| Case study | Picote (PDF, 441 kB) |
The EPO SME case studies have been produced by the EPO in co-operation with external experts.
The content of the information provided in the case studies is for general information and training purposes only. It is subject to change at any time and without prior notice.
The information contained in the case studies does not constitute either advice of any kind or the rendering of consulting services or other professional services of any kind.
The information and materials contained in the case studies may contain inaccuracies or errors. Neither the EPO nor its agents nor the external experts make any representations or warranties about the accuracy, comprehensiveness, completeness or suitability of any of the information provided in the studies.
The EPO, its agents and the external experts will not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage that may arise from reliance on the studies, and exclude any and all liability for any loss, claim or damage, cost or expense suffered in connection with their use.
The case studies and/or any of their parts, as well as any modification or translation thereof, may be used for non-commercial teaching and training purposes only.
For inquiries please contact smecasestudies@epo.org.
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