On 09.04.2025, a diverse audience of companies from the region gained an initial insight into the topic of property rights. Speaker Bruno Götz, Head of Patents and Standards at Bayern Innovativ's Bavarian Patent Center, began by explaining the role of the Patent Center for companies dealing with the topic of intellectual property rights. It is essential that innovations are effectively protected. Whether patent, utility model, design or trademark - different approaches cover different needs, but also at different costs and prices. For patents, for example, you need a patent attorney and have to spend more money, while registering a design is the least complicated and cheapest in comparison: according to Mr. Götz, this is a “completely underestimated property right”. Overall, it is important to take care of the protection of your own product at an early stage.
Finally, the SME Fund and WIPANO were discussed. Among other things, WIPANO supports patent and utility model applications by SMEs with a grant of up to 50% of the eligible costs, plus a cost-benefit analysis for exploitation. Funding is also available for active participation in national, European and international standardization committees as well as projects that translate the latest research findings into norms and standards in the interests of the economy as a whole.
Background: The webinar was organized as part of the DInO project, which is one of three European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) in Bavaria. The focus is on the digital transformation of SMEs and public administrations. As part of DInO, the Mobility & Logistics cluster provides support with funding advice and international matchmaking.
Contact: If you have any questions about funding or would like to contact the Bavarian Patent Center directly, please contact Leonie Bechtold. We publish further webinars on our website and in our newsletter.