Property rights strategies for SMEs: Get advice now in Kaiserslautern!

Property rights strategies for SMEs: Get advice now in Kaiserslautern!

The 9th nationwide action week “Intellectual property rights strategies for SMEs” will take place from September 22nd to 26th, 2025. This initiative is run by the Association of German Patent Information Centers. V. (piznet) aligned. The target group is small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), start-ups and founding teams. Various institutions have come together to realize this important event: The German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) works closely with piznet e.V. to offer participants individual advice.

The free offer includes confidential orientation advice on intellectual property issues. Aimed at the needs of companies that want to protect their innovations and creations, the week of action aims to show companies ways in which they can effectively use their intellectual property rights. The contact point in Kaiserslautern is the Rhineland-Palatinate Patent and Information Center (PIZ) at the RPTU.

Advice and support

The consulting unit includes an approximately two-hour short analysis of the company's most relevant IP (intellectual property) areas. The experts provide an initial assessment of the IP situation and highlight economic opportunities and risks. In addition, strategies are developed for the optimal use of intellectual property in order to secure competitive advantages.

The participants also receive an audit report, which, if necessary, provides tips for optimizing the property rights situation. It is important to note that this guidance does not constitute legal advice. Interested companies have the opportunity to make an appointment, which can be done by phone at 0631/205-3202 or by email at piz@rptu.de. The contact person on site is Jan-Ulrich Glup.

Importance of intellectual property

The protection of intellectual property rights is essential for companies. This applies not only to patents and trademarks, but also to designs, copyrights and trade secrets. An early decision on suitable protective measures is crucial because inventions that have been made public can no longer be protected. Companies that take action before their ideas become known create an important strategic foundation.

The DPMA also offers resources and information to support SMEs in pursuing and protecting their rights. In the “SME News” section you can find current studies and developments that are of interest to small and medium-sized companies.

In addition, the European Commission will promote specific programs in 2025 to help SMEs register industrial property rights. As part of this initiative, informative materials, research rooms and initial consultations are provided for SMEs. However, it should be noted that Patents Voucher 3 is no longer available as of June 18, 2025.

Finally, it should be noted that an additional registration of the company name as a trademark can be useful. Entry in the commercial register alone does not provide comprehensive protection. Companies must take action to ensure that their trademarks and inventions are legally protected before they are made public.

You can find more information on the website of RPTU, DPMA and SME.