IP SME Helpdesks

The IP Helpdesk provides free-of-charge, first-line support to European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on IP management, protection, and enforcement. Consisting of six dedicated regional Helpdesk services covering China, Europe, Latin America, India, South-East Asia and Africa, the IP Helpdesk caters to the individual needs of businesses operating in those markets. In addition, the regional Helpdesk for Europe specifically assists EU SMEs and researchers in dealing with IP issues in the context of EU-funded research and innovation projects.

Offering a broad range of informative material, a Helpline service as well as a diverse training calendar, the IP Helpdesk’s overall goal is to support IP capacity building along the full scale of IP practices: from awareness to strategic use and successful exploitation.

HELPLINE First-line advisory service on IP protection and enforcement for EU SMEs

TRAINING Targeted trainings and webinars on IPR protection and enforcement for EU SMEs (including sector- specific approaches).

IP CONTENT State-of-the-art publications (factsheets, learning modules, videos, IP glossary, info graphics, case studies and newsletters) on the protection and enforcement of IPR – specifically addressing IP matters from the SME business needs point of view.

AWARENESS RAISING EVENTS Participation in events attended by EU SMEs to increase the awareness of IP and of the visibility of the services provided by the Helpdesk.

IP ANALYSIS Analysis of IP challenges faced by EU SMEs in the target markets.

IP DIAGNOSTIC TOOLKIT Toolkit for self-evaluation of the IP-status of the user in terms of IP knowledge and management.

IP COST TOOL Online tool that allows the user to pre evaluate the costs related to IP management in certain regions.

More information:

Maija Kärkäs
European IP Helpdesk contact person
Intellectual Property Helpdesk
Enterprise Europe Network
Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce
maija.karkas@chamber.fi