EUROCROWD partner EUIPO as well as WIPO and EFIC are joining forces to help EU SMEs in developing solutions for the furniture industry. The IP Management Clinic is a programme that aims to help companies better utilise IP as part of their business strategies.

Companies selected to participate in the IP Management Clinic will benefit from a free programme of activities spread over 5 months, specifically designed to address their IP management needs, as determined in the application process. They will receive advice on IP management strategies and guidance on how the IP system can make their products or services more competitive in today’s market, benefiting from IP protection and its competitive advantage.

The participants will have a clear understanding of the importance of protecting their IP assets and will be guided on managing and leveraging these IP rights in the different phases of their business journey. They will also learn how to enforce their rights against unlawful use.

Who can apply?

To participate, companies must meet the following criteria:

• be an SME (less than 50 million turnover and 250 employees);
• be based in an EU Member State;
• own a product or service that is ready to be commercialised in the market and be potentially or already protected by IP rights;
• have an entrepreneurial team (of at least two people);
• the entrepreneurial team must have a good command of English.

Further details here

Straight to application here

Deadline and schedule

To participate, applicants must complete the questionnaire by 10 May. WIPO, the EUIPO and EFIC will assess applications and select a limited number of companies. The selection announcement and programme launch will take place in May.

To ensure a successful IP Management Clinic, the selected companies will be expected to actively participate in the programme (join online workshops, provide non-confidential information on their product or technology and IP, provide feedback after the clinic with a time dedication estimated at between 10 and 15 hours).