Launch of New “Horizon IP Scan” Support Service to Help SMEs Manage and Valorise Intellectual Property in R&I Collaborations
Like any other asset, IP needs to be managed and used strategically to ensure smooth cooperation and maximise the impact of project results. Hence, IP management plays an essential part in the entire lifecycle of research and innovation projects funded under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe Framework Programme. However, SMEs often struggle when it comes to assessing and protecting the IP they bring into these collaborations. Plus, the task to develop a strategy for managing and exploiting new IP, jointly generated with other partners, may seem daunting. This is where Horizon IP Scan comes into play: It is an IP support service specifically addressing SMEs that cooperate in Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe projects with one or several entities, including other SMEs. Building on a vast network of experienced, local IP experts covering all EU Member States and Horizon 2020/Europe associated countries, the Horizon IP Scan team provides an individual, professional, jargon-free assessment of SME’s intangible assets in order to - show them how to protect their existing IP when starting on a research and innovation endeavour with multiple partners; - assist them in developing a shared strategy with their partners to manage and exploit new IP jointly generated in their project. WHO CAN APPLY? The service is open to European start-ups and SMEs (according to the EC’s definition) that are about to sign a Horizon (2020/Europe) Grant Agreement or have recently signed one (up to six months after signature). In addition, Horizon IP Scan caters to SMEs signposted by the Horizon Results Booster (maximum until half of the project duration). Also, SMEs that are referred to Horizon IP Scan by the Enterprise Europe Network in view of a planned cooperation with other entities on a R&I project are also eligible for the service up to six months after the beginning of a project, but preferably before any agreement is signed. HOW TO APPLY? Following a continuous open call scheme, SMEs interested in the Horizon IP Scan can apply for the service any time via the Horizon IP Scan website: http://horizon-ipscan.eu/ Based on a first come, first serve approach, the service may either be provided to a single SME or, preferably, a group of SMEs involved in a collaborative research project. Managed by a central coordination team, the successful SME(s) applicant(s) will be matched individually with the corresponding local IP expert(s). Usually, the language applied will be that of the applicant(s) or English. CONTACT The Horizon IP Scan service is operated by EURICE - European Research & Project Office GmbH (Germany) representing the Horizon IP Scan central coordination team, which is supported by an EU-wide network of IP experts. For further information get in touch with the team by sending an email at contact@horizon-ipscan.eu. DISCLAIMER Horizon IP Scan is a free-of-charge IP support service provided by the European Commission specifically designed to help European start-ups and other SMEs involved in EU-funded collaborative research projects to efficiently manage and valorise IP in collaborative R&I efforts. Horizon IP Scan is managed by the European Commission’s Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME), with policy guidance provided by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG Grow). The information provided by Horizon IP Scan is not of a legal advisory nature and no responsibility is accepted for the results of any actions made on its basis. Moreover, it cannot be considered as the official position of EASME or the European Commission. Neither EASME nor the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of EASME or of the European Commission is responsible for the use which might be made of this information.