European Patent Office (EPO)
The European Patent Office (EPO) is a key institution that grants European patents for inventions, ensuring the protection of intellectual property (IP) across its member states. The EPO plays a crucial role in fostering innovation by providing inventors, businesses, and research institutions with robust patent services and resources.
EPO's Role in Knowledge Transfer
Patents are fundamental to the knowledge transfer process, enabling the protection and commercialisation of innovative research outcomes. The EPO supports this by offering efficient and high-quality patent examination services, providing resources to help innovators understand and navigate the patenting process, facilitating access to patent information through databases like Espacenet, and promoting best practices in intellectual property management and utilisation.
Collaboration Between ASTP and EPO
ASTP and the EPO share a common mission: advancing innovation and supporting the effective transfer of knowledge across Europe. This collaboration, which began in 2023 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), focuses on enhancing the understanding and application of intellectual property in knowledge transfer activities.
Key areas of collaboration include organising joint workshops and seminars to equip knowledge transfer professionals with expertise in IP management, patenting strategies, and technology commercialisation. The collaboration also facilitates the exchange of best practices in IP management and patenting among ASTP members and the wider innovation community. Furthermore, both organisations collaborate to influence and develop policies that support effective knowledge transfer and IP utilisation, while promoting access to EPO databases, publications, and learning materials to enhance the knowledge base of ASTP members.
Opportunities for ASTP Members
ASTP members can benefit from the collaboration with EPO by participating in joint events such as workshops and webinars focused on intellectual property and patenting strategies. They can also access valuable EPO resources, including tools like Espacenet for patent searches and insights. Learning from EPO experts offers members in-depth knowledge of best practices for patent applications and IP management. Additionally, strengthening networks by connecting with IP experts and peers can foster collaborations that enhance knowledge transfer outcomes.
Supporting Knowledge Transfer Through Patents
ASTP and EPO’s collaboration strengthens the role of patents in facilitating effective knowledge transfer. By empowering knowledge transfer professionals with the right tools and knowledge, they enable innovations to move from research to real-world application more efficiently.
Additional Resources
Through this partnership, ASTP and EPO continue to promote the value of intellectual property in driving innovation and enhancing Europe’s knowledge transfer landscape.
Testimonials
ASTP corroborates the strong need for profound insights and exchanges on practices, instruments and competencies that cut across functional, organisational, institutional, sectorial and geographic boundaries.
Koenraad Debackere
KU Leuven, Belgium
I learned more in the training course for 3 days than I did in the last 3 months at my job. The lectures were informative & interesting.
Hanna Sonnig
Setterwalls Advokatbyrå, Sweden
Organisation and speakers were great, so enthusiastic about their work and very good at transferring their knowledge.
Sarka Bartova
Research Centre Rez, Czech Republic
ASTP brought the right structure and terminology to my knowledge of technology licensing.
René Widmer
ETH Transfer, Switzerland
The course exceeded my expectations. We exchanged experiences and learned different options of approaches to existing problems.
Patricia Lima
Instituto Superior Technico, Portugal
Most relevant, interesting and practical training I have ever had, very interactive an multi-disciplinary. It makes an IMPACT.
Edith van Lishout
KU Leuven, Belgium
ASTP Conference offers great networking and learning opportunities; a chance to share knowledge with colleagues from various areas of expertise.
Bruno Woeran
Merinova OY - TII President, Finland
International presence is amazing, so many countries, universities... represented here!!
Christian Massus
SATT Aquitaine, France
As always, superb topics and inspirational speakers. Great networking. Well worth the time out of the office!!! Great work HQ, thank you.
Peter Deakin
Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
This course gives an in-depth understanding on managing contract portfolio, including research contracts, license agreements, and other collaboration agreements.
Ram Siddappa
Erasmus MC, Netherlands
Most experienced technology transfer crew in the Europe.
Krzysztof Maternicki
Jan Dlugosz University, Poland
Just perfect 3 days full of information and perfect communication.
Petr Kubečka
Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
The course Software Specific Challenges is a must for every TTO/KTO professional, especially for those working with Social Sciences and Humanities!
Brechtje Vreenegoor
Radboud University, Netherlands
Fruitful discussion.
Cecile Henrich-Burkhardt
Technical University of Munich, Germany
Technology transfer is ever changing and a key piece for the competitiveness of your institution, this course is an excellent tool to prepare yourself for that challenge.
Ricardo Castro
Centre for research in agricultural Genomics, Spain
I am happy to be able to share my own experiences with other colleagues via various courses, and I enjoy every moment I can spend in this network. Proud to be part of the ASTP community!
Paul van Dun
KU Leuven, Belgium
Thank you for such enjoyable inspiring event, great choice of the lecturers!!!
Linda Ondrackova
University of Pardubice, Czech Republic
Recent studies on both sides of the Atlantic, directed by either ASTP or AUTM, demonstrate the tremendous economic and societal benefit and value technology transfer has brought us.
Koenraad Debackere
KU Leuven, Belgium
A lot of fruitful discussions with experienced peers. Very helpful sessions.
Sara Matt-Leubner
University of Innsbruck, Austria
The event had something to offer all members of the TT community from entry level to mid-career and beyond.
John Gleeson
University of Limerick, Ireland
Was great to meet counterparts in my profession who may share my experiences, but who may also have other ideas and approaches.
Tim Moser
Netherlands Cancer Institute, Netherlands
I had a great experience and met high profile professionals.
Antonio Menegatti
Politecnico di Milano, Italy
This was the right decision giving me the broadest overview, confidence, tools, network and support that is fundamental to feel right in my daily decision process and to keep on learning.
Ricardo Castro
Centre for research in agricultural Genomics, Spain
The best opportunity to learn and discuss common issues and interests directly with peers.
Ian Nicoud
LURIS, Netherlands
One very long and hard day, but very useful for my work in TTO.
Petr Kubečka
Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
Exciting training, even after almost 10 hours I am curious about more experience and knowledge.
Petr Suchomel
Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
The experts, the specific content and the informal setting will improve you as a professional.
Brechtje Vreenegoor
Radboud Universteit, Netherlands
This course gives an in-depth understanding on managing contract portfolio, including research contracts, license agreements, and other collaboration agreements.
Ram Siddappa
Erasmus MC, Netherlands
Perfect place to meet colleagues and share experiences on Technology Transfer.
Lidia Aguilera
University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Good opportunity to discuss common issues with fellow professionals and to get updates about the community.
Giuseppe Visimberga
Leiden University, Netherlands
Perfect balance of learning and networking.
Smiljka Vikic-Topic
University of Zagreb, Croatia
ASTP has excellent courses to immerse yourself into the world of tech transfer.
Qing Cai
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
It was great to experience the uncomplicated and fruitful exchange with colleagues from all over Europe, as well as the positive professional spirit of this conference.
Franck Döbrich
Universitat des Saarlandes WuT GmbH, Germany
ASTP Annual conference is a unique opportunity to take time to exchange best practices among TT professionals and to network at an EU level.
Cécile Cavalade
ULB TTO, Belgium
It is always encouraging to see that other TTOs are encountering the same problems that we do!
Aurore De Boom
Université Libré de Bruxelle, Belgium
ASTP has attained a unique position that has turned it into a highly valued player on the global technology transfer scene.
Koenraad Debackere
KU Leuven, Belgium
Starting or changing any procedure at a TTO/Institution is challenging and I could not think of anything better than learning with the best.
Ricardo Castro
Centre for research in agricultural Genomics, Spain
Excellent organisation, multifarious activities, great atmosphere… I can't say enough about how well it is tailored to the needs of technology transfer professions.
Tamara Čolić Milosavljević
Centre of Technology Transfer - University of Belgrade, Serbia
This is a wonderful conference to expand the horizon of my knowledge of tech transfer and commercialisation.
Seung-Ho Lee
Deltatech-Korea, South Korea
Three days of learning and networking in Dublin at ASTP annual conference. What a great event!!
Sandra Aresta
CIBIO - Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, Portugal
The new website signals this pioneering, resonating role and is a tribute to the many accomplishments and innovations European TTO’s have generated and implemented over many years, thus strengthening both our economy and society.
Koenraad Debackere
KU Leuven, Belgium
Great atmosphere to learn and to share experiences.
Maria Ruiz Novales
Interface-Enterprises - University of Liege, Belgium
Excellent professional gathering, perfect collection of topics and very up-to-date insight.
Ludovic Urgeghe
University of Mons, Belgium
Great networking, new knowledge and inspiration!
Jonas Rimbäck
University of Gothenburg, Sweden
The software training filled in the many blanks and brought my 'fractioned' knowledge in a structured way. Very useful!
Ilse Sienaert
KU Leuven R&D, Belgium
A must-do for any staff involved in technology transfer and start-up creation.
Frederic Ratel
Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia, Spain
ASTP's conference helped us to network with decision-makers in the technology transfer industry and provides a great platform to discuss future innovation in this sector.
Christopher Römer
Inventtory, Germany
Always simply inspiring! That is ASTP.
Filip Auinger
Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
From day one ASTP has been a tremendous help. Learning throughs seminars and workshops or meeting peers for discussions, there is always someone around to exchange ideas with.
Paul van Dun
KU Leuven, Belgium
I strongly recommend the course, even if you are not going to set-up an office but you are part of the team that wants to change or improve how technology transfer is done at your institution.
Ricardo Castro
Centre for research in agricultural Genomics, Spain
I really like the course and the networking. I would like to come again.
Nancy Goel
Qatar Foundation, Qatar
This course offers an opportunity to meet likeminded people, share tips and tricks, and dive into different approaches to help you set up and improve KTO processes.
Brechtje Vreenegoor
Radboud University, Netherlands
Great networking and learning opportunities to share knowledge with colleagues from their various areas of expertise.
Bruno Woeran
Merinova OY - TII President, Finland
There was ample opportunity to learn from colleagues through the workshop sessions or more formally through speakers either sharing their years of experience or their state of the art research. Well worth attending.
John Gleeson
University of Limerick, Ireland
The expert-panel discussion educated me in strategic and meritorious choice of inventions to approach investors and manage investment funds for establishing a spin off.
Ram Siddappa
Erasmus MC, Netherlands
Working and Learning with old and new friends – best way to do it!
Sara Matt-Leubner
University of Innsbruck, Austria
The software course has provided invaluable information as our TTO expands to take on software cases.
Tom Withnell
University of Vienna, Austria
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