Have you faced an IP protection issue in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan? Share your experience with us and help us create practical, accessible case studies that show other EU SMEs how similar challenges can be addressed and where to find support. You can remain anonymous or be named – both are valuable. Click on the link below to learn more!
We are reaching out to ask for your help in accomplishing one of our core missions: to provide free resources for EU SMEs to better understand IP management in China. An important way we do this is by publishing case studies. These short and accessible publications allow EU SMEs to learn about best practices in China when protecting their IP by being introduced to real situations faced by other fellow EU SMEs. They learn about the issue, how it can be solved, as well as who and what can support them during such situations. We hope you can help us by sharing issues you have faced that deal with IP protection in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, or Taiwan; and allowing us to make a case study out of it. You can choose if you want to be public with your name or if the case study will be anonymous – both are valuable. By doing this, you will be helping other EU SMEs in your position and contributing to raising awareness about IP protection in China. You will also be helping our free-of-charge initiative by improving our knowledge of the issues SMEs face, thereby allowing us to improve our services. It is also important to note that the current phase of the China IP SME Helpdesk will come to an end early next year and we are unsure whether it will continue. It is therefore especially important that we try to produce materials before then, so they will be available even if other services aren't. If you are willing to help us, please send a message to helika.jurgenson@china-iprhelpdesk.eu.
This article analyses the legal positioning of AI as a technological tool from different perspectives, including legislative cohesion, substantive tort rules, intellectual property adjudication logic, and procedural evidentiary mechanism among others.
Trademark registration in China follows the first-to-file principle. In this article, Ms Aglaya Salvatierra, China IP SME Helpdesk external expert from LexOrient, explains what it means for EU SMEs wanting to internationalise to the China market.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly supporting technology transfer offices (TTOs) with tasks ranging from contract reviews and patent searches to market research and innovation scouting. While automation can improve efficiency, human expertise remains essential for building relationships, supporting researchers and navigating commercialisation, pointing towards a future where AI complements and strengthens the strategic role of TTO professionals.
The DesignEuropa Awards 2026 mark a decade of celebrating outstanding design, creativity and innovation. This year’s winners were recognised across five categories, highlighting achievements from emerging talent and small businesses to established industry leaders, while showcasing the importance of design protection in fostering creativity, competitiveness and growth.
The European Commission’s Charter of Access for Industrial Users to Research and Technology Infrastructures aims to make it easier for companies to access Europe’s research facilities, expertise, services and data. Built around six guiding principles, the Charter addresses simplified access, transparent contractual arrangements, intellectual property management, tailored company support and stronger cross-border cooperation.
Recently published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), “Women, Innovation and Impact” looks back at three years of progress under its IP and Gender Action Plan. Through initiatives from across the world, the publication highlights efforts to strengthen gender-responsive IP policies, build a stronger evidence base, and support women entrepreneurs, innovators and creators in protecting and commercialising their ideas.
A new European Commission expert report takes stock of open access across the European Research Area, highlighting significant progress alongside persistent fragmentation. Differences in policies, funding models, research assessment and monitoring continue to create barriers. Discover the report’s key findings and recommendations for building a more coherent and sustainable open access landscape across Europe.
Explore practical approaches to building more circular, resource-efficient and resilient supply chains.
It offers funding and tailored support to SMEs developing near-to-market solutions for Europe’s floating offshore wind sector.
It supports SMEs turning promising hydrogen technologies into practical solutions through funding, mentoring and real-world testing opportunities.
We look forward to welcoming the I3 community to Brussels for a day of exchange, collaboration and inspiration!
Join the Annual I3 Instrument Forum side event
Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department introduces the reform of the patent system in line with the First Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) of the Department. One of the aims of the reform is to make the original grant patent system more attractive to applicants.
The European Commission has published new Practical Guidance for the Valorisation of Multidisciplinary R&I Results, presenting 10 practical pathways to help translate research into societal and economic value. Decision trees, examples and checklists support research teams in identifying suitable routes for the uptake of multidisciplinary results, including those from Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH).
A recently published patent landscape analysis on advanced materials examines Europe’s position compared with the US and China across mobility, construction, energy, electronics and medical devices. While Europe demonstrates strong patent quality, the study identifies persistent challenges in commercialisation, investment, IP expertise and industry–academia collaboration. The findings highlight the need to strengthen valorisation, financing and market uptake of Europe’s advanced materials innovations.
The European Commission has proposed a European Innovation Act aimed at helping European innovations reach the market and scale globally. Among its key measures are a common EU framework for intellectual property (IP) valuation, a digital marketplace for intellectual property and support for IP-backed financing. The proposal also addresses R&D procurement and regulatory sandboxes, seeking to create a more connected and innovation-friendly ecosystem across Europe.
The European IP Helpdesk has published a new fact sheet exploring the role of intellectual property (IP) in strengthening investment readiness. The publication provides practical guidance on how to effectively present and manage intellectual assets when engaging with potential investors, while highlighting the key IP-related aspects investors typically consider when assessing investment opportunities.
Two practical European IP Helpdesk resources are now available in Spanish. "Your Guide to IP Management in International Business" offers practical guidance on managing intellectual property (IP) when operating across borders, while the "Intellectual Property & Open Innovation" infographic provides a concise overview of why IP matters in collaborative and open innovation environments.
