Intellectual property rights

Protecting your intellectual property has several benefits:

  • If you protect your invention, such as a new product, you become the only person with the right to use or reproduce it. Others cannot copy or reproduce what you have done without your permission.
  • When you protect your invention, the quality of the product is guaranteed and its origin is clear. This can be an advantage for your business, because customers may prefer to buy a product that has passed more restrictive checks (a controlled good).
  • You can earn money not only through direct use of IP, but also indirectly through licensing contracts. This is when you grant a licence to another company to use your IP protected subject matter for a certain period of time.
  • In some cases, such as for copyright and unregistered design, protecting your IP is automatic and doesn't require any formalities.
  • Owning a patent or a trade mark can increase your market value and make it easier for your business to find investors or other funding opportunities.

For further information on intellectual property, personalised support and trade mark registration, check the digital office Open as an external link of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

Get access to national information below.

See also

Need support from assistance services?

Get in touch with specialised assistance services

European IPR Helpdesk

Free advice and training on intellectual property management for EU co-funded projects or transnational business deals.

InnovAccess

National support measures, registration procedures and information on legislation provided by IP offices from 30 European countries.

IPR SME Helpdesk

Free advice and business tools to manage your intellectual property in China, Latin America and South-East Asia

European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO)

Learn about intellectual property rights in the EU, get free personalised support and apply online for trade mark or design registration.

Do you have questions on operating a business cross-border, for example exporting or expanding to another EU country? If so, the Enterprise Europe Network can give you free advice.

You can also use the assistance service finder to find the right help for you.

Last checked: 02/02/2024
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