TU Ilmenau starts innovative online courses on patent protection!

TU Ilmenau starts innovative online courses on patent protection!

The Ilmenau University of Technology has decided to significantly expand its range of courses on intellectual property protection. As part of an international project by the European Patent Office, the university becomes part of the “Modular IP Education Framework” (MIPEF). The TU Ilmenau is one of 35 European universities that offer this innovative training program.

From the summer semester of 2025, online courses will be offered for master's students and doctoral students. These courses provide comprehensive knowledge about developing, protecting and commercializing ideas. The cooperation between the PATON (State Patent Center of Thuringia) and the university's graduate center with the European Patent Office ensures practical training.

Structure and content of the courses

In the summer semester, 17 students have the opportunity to take part in the course, which is offered every semester. After a final exam, participants receive a certificate. The one-semester offering focuses on patent protection and entrepreneurial innovation by integrating various online modules, video sessions with experts and interactive forums. These components enable students to incorporate patents, trademarks and design protection into strategic business decisions.

The interactive learning formats are supported by multimedia offerings such as online case studies. In addition, participants have the opportunity to exchange ideas with experts such as patent examiners, patent attorneys and patent search experts. A particularly interesting aspect of the teaching program is the meeting with winners and finalists of the European Inventor Award.

Goals and possibilities of the Modular IP Education Framework

The MIPEF, introduced by the European Patent Academy, aims to combine theory and practice in intellectual property education. Partner universities, such as TU Ilmenau, can integrate the MIPEF course into their curriculum, giving students the opportunity to acquire EPA certification and receive up to 6 ECTS credits.

The course content covers the areas of “Development – ​​Protection – Innovation: Marketing of Ideas” and aims to deepen knowledge of intellectual property rights. With the support of 34 European universities, broad participation is expected, which already included 500 students at the introductory event.

The contribution of the European Patent Academy

The European Patent Academy was founded in 2004 to improve education and training structures in the area of ​​patent-related intellectual property rights in Europe. Through collaboration with national and international institutions, including the EUIPO, the Academy's activities are focused on three training areas: patent granting, technology transfer and patent litigation. The integrated approach covers the entire patent process, from idea development to protection and marketing.

The academy's target groups include not only academic institutions, but also patent professionals, judges, small and medium-sized companies and IP managers. This broad-based support is intended to fundamentally improve IP training in Europe.