Horizon IP Scan is a tailored, free-of-charge, first-line IP support service provided by the European Commission specifically designed to help European start-ups and other SMEs involved in EU-funded collaborative research projects to efficiently manage and valorise IP in collaborative R&I efforts. The service is open to European start-ups and SMEs (according to the EC’s definition) that are about to sign a Horizon (2020/Europe) Grant Agreement or have recently signed one (up to six months after signature). Discover how to apply!
Like any other asset, IP needs to be managed and used strategically to ensure smooth cooperation and maximise the impact of project results. Hence, IP management plays an essential part in the entire lifecycle of research and innovation projects funded under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe Framework Programme.
However, SMEs often struggle when it comes to assessing and protecting the IP they bring into these collaborations. Plus, the task to develop a strategy for managing and exploiting new IP, jointly generated with other partners, may seem daunting.
This is where Horizon IP Scan comes into play: building on a vast network of experienced, local IP experts across Europe, the Horizon IP Scan team performs an individual, professional, jargon-free assessment of your intangible assets in order to:
- show you how you can protect your existing IP when starting on a research and innovation endeavour with multiple partners;
- assist you in developing a shared strategy with your partners to manage and exploit new IP jointly generated in your project;
What’s in it for you?
The Horizon IP Scan team will help you:
- increase your IP knowledge
- get a clear picture of your existing IP
- identify potential ways to protect your intangible assets
- develop a joint IP management and exploitation strategy with your partners
- prevent potential IP conflicts
- boost your Plan for the Exploitation and Dissemination of Results
- leverage your company’s innovation capacity
In a nutshell: Your Horizon endeavour won’t succeed without managing and valorising IP – we’ll help you do it!
Who can apply?
The service is open to European start-ups and SMEs (according to the EC’s definition) that are about to sign a Horizon (2020/Europe) Grant Agreement or have recently signed one (up to six months after signature). In addition, Horizon IP Scan caters to SMEs signposted by the Horizon Results Booster (maximum until half of the project duration).
Also, SMEs that are referred to Horizon IP Scan by the Enterprise Europe Network in view of a planned cooperation with other entities on a R&I project are also eligible for the service up to six months after the beginning of a project, but preferably before any agreement is signed.
How to apply?
Following a continuous open call scheme, SMEs interested in the Horizon IP Scan can apply for the service any time via the Horizon IP Scan website.
Based on a first come, first serve approach, the service may either be provided to a single SME or, preferably, a group of SMEs involved in a collaborative research project. Managed by a central coordination team, the successful SME(s) applicant(s) will be matched individually with the corresponding local IP expert(s). Usually, the language applied will be that of the applicant(s) or English.
Learn more about the service, its benefits for SMEs and further application details.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.