Intellectual property: SMEs are well advised - potential for optimisation exists
How well are Swiss SMEs informed and supported in questions relating to the protection of their intellectual property? A study concludes that the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property, together with other contact points for SMEs, are doing a good job. However, the authors also see potential for improvement.
Switzerland is a country of inventors. Startups and SMEs underpin this reputation with innovations and creative achievements. On the road to success, intellectual property and its protection is an important piece of the puzzle for companies. Only when an SME knows how to handle the company's intellectual capital and protect its own innovation are strategic and groundbreaking decisions possible for the company.
Study examines range of services
When innovative and creative SMEs have a question about protecting their intellectual property (IP), they usually turn to institutions they are familiar with, such as regional innovation promotion agencies or cantonal chambers of commerce. Innosuisse, Venturelab or patent attorneys are also among them. These intermediaries advise SMEs on the path to possible registration of trademarks, patents and designs and thus form the interface between the companies and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). For its part, the IPI, as the authority responsible for registering IP rights, also offers services that provide innovative information on the possibilities of IP rights. But how helpful are these services really? The IPI wanted to find out with a study (cf. here).
Satisfied SMEs and intermediaries
Intermediaries as well as SMEs are generally satisfied with the IP service landscape, according to the study authors. One of the most important needs of intermediaries is information on all aspects of intellectual property - whether for themselves or for SMEs. Equally central for intermediaries is having a contact person to whom they can refer SMEs with their IP needs. Intermediaries who are approached by SMEs on the subject of IP usually refer them to the IPI.
Among the services again provided by the IPI, the Accompanied Patent Search in the patent area performs particularly well. "It is low-threshold and benefits researchers, SMEs and intermediaries alike," the study found. SMEs still have varying levels of knowledge about intellectual property, but the knowledge base has improved, according to the study. Patents, trademarks, trade secrets, IP strategy and IP in collaborations are cited as the most important topics. It also shows that all types of intermediaries are addressed and the IPI is known.
Potential for improvement
Respondents identify opportunities for improvement in a number of areas: With regard to cooperation, in individual cases potential is seen for closer and/or new cooperative relationships between the IPI and SME intermediaries. The IPI's existing information services are appreciated. In the social media - namely LinkedIn and YouTube - one would like to see increased activity. Furthermore, there is a strong need for information on the subject of protection strategy. For this reason, the IPI has developed a checklist that serves as a first aid for SMEs and start-ups in drafting a protection strategy. Complementary to this, the IPI also offers a Checklist on the subject of licensing of IP rights. In addition, the IPI is recommended to intensify communication on the subject of IP and innovation on digital channels and to modernise the communication of basic information and basic services.
Source: Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI). Dhe IGE is the federal competence centre for patents, trademarks, indications of source, design and copyright.
