Talk innovation: unlocking technology

Intellectual property, such as patents for yourcompany’s technology, can strengthen your elevator pitch. Learn how to say just enough – to the right people at the right time. In this episode, you’ll learn: How a clear IP strategy supports your businessgoals and boosts investor confidence. Understand why protecting your invention is justas important as communicating its value to potential investors...

This “ Out of the box” mini-series digs into agricultural innovation - where soil meets science. From a legendary rivalry that turned tractor tech into automotive breakthroughs to a surprising twist on solar panels powering greenhouses, it explores two inventive stories that are reshaping how we grow, eat and energise. Listen for a fresh take on agri-tech that’s anything but ordinary.    Moderator...

The “Out of the Box” mini-series begins with a look at the fascinating world of inventions in the energy sector. From compact switchgear systems hidden inside wind turbines to solar panels floating on water, this episode explores how unexpected inventions are redefining the way energy is generated. A light-hearted conversation between EPO patent examiners reveals how space-saving, sustainable tech...

In this episode of Talk Innovation, host Ed Cooke sits down with Valentyn Frechka, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Releaf Paper, in a conversation recorded during a live online event. Valentyn shares his remarkable journey of turning a school project into a business that transforms fallen leaves into raw material for the paper and packaging industry. Along the way, Valentyn offers i...

Standards are the invisible protocols that ensure our devices and services work together seamlessly. But how do they relate to patents? And what does this mean for innovation and competition?    Uncover how the interplay between standards and patents shapes technological progress. This discussion dives into how the Unified Patent Court and the Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre aim to streaml...

Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, polluting not just our environment but also even our bodies. Thankfully, the latest advancements in plastic waste recovery and recycling are paving the way towards a more sustainable future.  Join Marguerite McCaughan as she explores the complexities behind these processes and speaks with experts about cutting-edge solutions and the role EU policies play i...

Curious where the latest technology trends are heading?   The EPO's annual Patent Index offers a comprehensive look into these advancements, tracking  technological growth and patenting activity as well as top applicants and countries in the lead.  Join EPO experts as they guide you through 2024’s key insights and explore some of the top fields like computer technology; electrical machinery, a...

How can European startups bridge the funding gap they face compared to their US counterparts?    A recent study by the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology highlights the important role of tech-savvy investors and provides a comprehensive mapping of investors supporting European innovators.    Discover the unique value that tech-focused investors bring to startups from Adéla Dvořáková, a Te...

Space technology is evolving at light speed and may even offer solutions to global challenges such as climate change. Join expert guests as they explore the significance of space propulsion for various applications, the rapid transformation of the space sector, the growing number of players in the field and the boom in spacecraft launches over the past decade. The episode provides fascinating insi...

Inspiring Inventors   Hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart disease…these are just some medical issues that can be caused by loud noise. Friends and business partners Rhona Togher and Eimear O’Carroll are tackling this problem with an advanced acoustic material that can dampen noise in a variety of applications. What began as a school science fair project evolved into a business with a unique p...

Leading Tech Voices: industries of the future Has graphene lived up to the hype it generated 20 years ago? And what do 3D-printed ceramics and Egyptian pyramids have in common? In this episode, two expert entrepreneurs explain how these materials are contributing to sustainability across industries. With graphene as the potential key to more energy-efficient data centres, and additive manufacturin...

How do you handle the lengthy process of getting a patent? While it may seem like a drawback, the time it takes can actually benefit your business. Join us to learn why the patent process isn’t always quick, how it impacts your competitors, and how you can actively impact the scope of your technology’s protection. Find out how you can use the patent examiner’s search report to drive your own strat...

Leading Tech Voices: health & well-being EPO examiner Tom Kink leads a conversation with eminent inventors and scholars in the area of medical technologies, professors Gordon Chang and Chris Hancock. The talk highlights the significant increase in patent applications in medical technologies over the past decade emphasizing the role of interdisciplinary collaboration, advancements in material s...

As an inventor, micro-entity, startup or university researcher, how do you keep abreast of the latest technology developments? While some believe patents lock away knowledge, keeping it from the public - nothing could be further from the truth. Find out how you can leverage free patent databases to succeed in your line of business.  An episode in a weekly pilot series of bite-sized podcasts design...

This episode delves into the principal challenges facing innovation in Europe, as outlined in Mario Draghi’s prominent report “The future of European competitiveness.”  Listen to gain insight into:  the role patent data plays in understanding innovation trends  which technical fields Europe is lagging behind in compared to its competitors  how the EPO’s high-quality patents and other activities co...

How can you ensure you don’t run out of money while pursuing a patent? It could take several years, but key costs and deadlines are foreseeable. Join us to learn how to budget for your patent journey so that both your product development and investment rounds align with key patenting milestones - keeping nasty surprises at bay.  An episode in a weekly pilot series of bite-sized podcasts designed t...

How do you stop rivals from exploiting your unique knowledge? If your competitive advantage relies on know-how that only you possess - then a trade secret might offer better protection than a patent. Unlike patents, which publicly disclose your invention, trade secrets keep your valuable information hidden from competitors. Learn how to decide whether to file a patent and reveal your know-how, or...

Leading Tech Voices: digital technologies As more technologies begin to converge and connect - heavily impacting fields such as healthcare and telecommunication – our experts see an increased need for greater awareness among inventors about the role of intellectual property in leveraging the potential of these inventions.   Additionally, how can patent law adapt to previously unforeseeable innovat...

How can you best avoid a common blunder made by many inventors? Prematurely disclosing your invention to investors, customers or suppliers could be a costly mistake! Find out why keeping your invention a secret - using non-disclosure agreements if necessary – is key until you file your patent application to optimise your chances for success.  An episode in a weekly pilot series of bite-sized podca...

How do you know if your great idea is truly new and worth pursuing?  You’ve heard about the power of patent information, but are you sure you know how to use it? Well, help is just around the corner to better access searches in patent databases, advice on filing patent applications, assessments of the economic potential of your technology and much more. Learn about PATLIB centres and how they can...

How do you find out where your business stands in relation to your competitors, your partners and the general state of technologies?  Patent knowledge can inform, inspire, guide and shape the direction of your business. It can be a source of information to find partners, customers or licences. Learn more about how free patent intelligence will help you to make better decisions.  An episode in a we...

Filing fees, attorney costs, translations.... How do you deal best with the expense when applying for a patent to protect your new technology? Find out what discounts might be available to you as a small business, a micro-entity, a startup, a non-profit organisation or a university or public research organisation when applying to the European Patent Office. Discover how these might give you a head...

How can you know if you’re spending your money wisely?  Think less about the cost and more about the value a patent can create for your business. Find out why investing in a patent may very well be worth it, for example, by attracting finance or generating licencing revenue for your business. Learn why patent protection is an asset that helps your business succeed.  The first episode in a weekly p...

Leading Tech Voices: environment and food With the global population rising and arable land decreasing due to climate change, how can we sustainably produce enough food while reducing the CO2 emissions caused by intensive agriculture? Robin Simsa (Revo Foods) and David Mazur (Nestlé) discuss the need for new technologies to produce food and the pivotal role IP plays in bringing these sustainabilit...

Key figures from the intellectual property (IP) community discuss the  perceptions of quality and shared effort between the EPO and applicants in driving patent quality. This episode explores key questions, including why patent quality is essential for businesses and how users can shape it. The conversation covers collaborative tools, legal robustness and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing cla...