European IP Helpdesk Newsletter

The European Innovation Council (EIC), a component of the EU research and innovation programme Horizon Europe, will allocate EUR 1.4 billion next year to support European deep tech research and high-potential start-ups. The EIC Work Programme 2025, adopted by the European Commission today, represents an increase of nearly EUR 200 million compared to 2024. Key highlights also include expanded access to Business Acceleration Services for emerging companies from 'Widening Countries' (countries with lower levels of research and innovation performance).

Intellectual property (IP) rights are territorial, meaning they are confined to the jurisdiction in which they are granted. Consequently, a registered IP in one country protects the invention only within that specific country. In collaboration with the Latin America IP SME Helpdesk, the European IP Helpdesk team has published three new fact sheets that provide an in-depth comparison of various aspects of IP rights between the European Union and selected Latin American countries (Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia).

Joining forces with the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (Fraunhofer ISI), the European Patent Office (EPO) has published a new study that provides the first comprehensive overview of the role European universities play in patenting and innovation on a European scale. The analysis reveals structural changes in universities’ approaches to intellectual property (IP) and highlights persistent differences between national innovation systems across Europe.

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is a subset of artificial intelligence focused on using generative models to create various types of data, such as text, images, or videos. These models typically generate content based on specific prompts or inputs provided by users. The European IP Helpdesk team recently published a special edition containing a set of useful materials focused on GenAI.

On 16 October, the European Commission (EC) released a report titled 'Align, Act, Accelerate.' This independent expert report offers strategic recommendations aimed at maximising the future impact of European Union research and innovation programmes. Drawing on preliminary findings and data from Horizon Europe, alongside insights from the ex-post evaluation of Horizon 2020 and other sources, it advocates for a transformative agenda.

In collaboration with the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EIC/EISMEA), the European IP Helpdesk hosted a webinar exploring the practical applications of licensing early-stage technologies. The session began with an overview of business models and essential provisions in licensing agreements, followed by insights from business experts who shared real-life licensing experiences. A dynamic panel discussion concluded the event, fostering exchanges between licensing experts and participants, encouraging interaction, and creating a collaborative environment. A recording of the session is now available.