The SPTO is involved in EU projects on Intellectual Property
The SPTO actively participates in projects promoted by the Directorate-General of Industry and Innovation of the European Commission, aimed at stimulating the use of Intellectual and Industrial Property (IIP) in member countries.
Among these, projects worth noting include: ePatent, Linking Innovation and Intellectual Property (LIIP) National Patent Office Network / InnovAccess, IP4INNO and IPeuropAware.
IP4INNO
The IP4INNO project (Intellectual Property for Innovation) was launched in early 2005 with the aim of increasing awareness and use of Industrial Property (IP) by SME’s, with a view to increasing innovation and competitiveness.
As a first result, a European network of trainers was set up who, in turn, instruct others in matters of IIP. As a second result, specific training material was developed and translated into the various official languages of the member countries of the project.
The material consists of six large teaching units on IIP, which not only includes the usual topics of Industrial Property and Information Technology, but also on other unregistered IIP (copyrights, trade secrets, ...), the commercialization of IP (Fees, licensing contracts ...) and the means of enforcing rights (administrative, judicial and alternative dispute resolution ...). Finally, more than 60 training sessions were held throughout Europe; four of them in Spain, for employees of the Research Results Transfer Offices (OTRI), IP Regional Information Centers, Technology Centers and Consultants to Chambers of Commerce, among others.
IPeuropAware
In September 2007, the IPeuropAware project was launched, initially called IP-Base “Modular Actions for the Dissemination and Protection of IIP Rights among European SME’s”. Main projects worth mentioning within the SPTO include studies on incorporating IIP policies into the National Innovation Strategy and on the current status and possible improvements made to SPTO User Information Services; seminars with representatives from the Judiciary, Police and Customs on the Protection of IIP Rights and the development of practical manuals or IIP industry “guides” for SME’s in the industries of Leather and Leather Goods, Furniture, Textiles, Apparel, and Footwear.
These projects have provided the SPTO with the opportunity to exchange experiences, broaden perspectives, compare best practices and establish partnerships with other European IIP offices.
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