Launch of Malta’s first PATLIB centre

The European Patent Office (EPO) has participated in the launch of Malta’s first patent information centre (PATLIB) at the University of Malta’s Technology Transfer Office. The centre will provide local researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses with expert guidance on patents and intellectual property (IP), helping transform ideas into market-ready innovations and strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.

The PATLIB centre’s opening ceremony brought together EPO representatives, national authorities and academic partners to celebrate the launch of this important innovation support hub.

The new centre at the University of Malta’s Technology Transfer Office in Valletta will provide Maltese researchers, entrepreneurs and small businesses with access to patent information and expert IP guidance. By supporting the protection and commercialisation of inventions, the PATLIB centre aims to help turn innovative ideas into market-ready products and strengthen Malta’s local innovation ecosystem.

Network of more than 330 centres across Europe, bringing IP closer to innovators

As part of the broader European PATLIB network, Malta’s first centre joins over 330 others across 39 countries. PATLIBs bring IP expertise closer to innovators, offering tailored advice and resources at universities, patent offices, chambers of commerce and technology hubs. Under its Strategic Plan 2028, the EPO is focussing on increasing co-operation within the PATLIB network and enhancing technology transfer related services. The EPO supports PATLIBs by offering access to free patent tools, training on how to use them, and courses that help gain professional accreditations on technology transfer.