The European Intellectual Property (IP) Helpdesk is a first-line IP support service of the European Commission. It provides free assistance to European SMEs and start-ups, universities, and public research organisations (including their technology transfer offices), and beneficiaries of EU-funded research and innovation projects to help them manage their IP, successfully drive knowledge valorisation processes, and thus bolster the European innovation ecosystem.
Seeking to support IP capacity building across the full spectrum of IP practices, from awareness to strategic use and successful exploitation, the service offers a varied portfolio of publications and guiding materials, an extensive online training calendar, and a Helpline service for direct IP support.
As a key player in the European IP and innovation landscape, the European IP Helpdesk actively fosters strong connections with the European Commission and major intermediaries, stakeholders, and IP organisations on European level, such as the European Patent Office (EPO), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), ASTP, and others. Through this network and collaboration, the team contributes to advancing strategic developments and strengthening the overall IP support ecosystem in Europe.
