Developed by the EPO in collaboration with European experts, the program teaches the fundamentals of intellectual property and links them to concrete real-world applications. Topics covered include the various intellectual property protection systems, the life cycle of a patent, as well as technology transfer, IP strategies, licensing, and commercialization.
The English-language online course includes interactive self-study modules, case studies, online sessions with IP experts, and moderated forums. Upon passing a final exam, participants receive a certificate from the European Patent Office.
Participants will learn how to identify and protect intellectual property and how to strategically leverage it in the research and innovation process. In addition to the introductory course, the European Patent Office also offers an advanced course as part of the program, which covers further aspects of the patent system and the strategic use of intellectual property, as well as a course on IP management, which provides knowledge on the administration of property rights and their commercialization.
This interdisciplinary program is aimed in particular at researchers working on innovative technologies, processes, products, or technology transfer projects. No prior knowledge of patent law is required for the introductory course.
Registration and Further Information
Registration for the introductory course is open from September 21 through October 14, 2026. The course phase relevant to participants begins when the online course room opens on October 16, 2026. The final exam must be submitted by December 21, 2026. The advanced course begins in spring 2027.
Participation in the courses is free of charge. The courses are held entirely online and in English.
Doctoral students, postdocs, and staff members at Chemnitz University of Technology who are interested in the introductory course are asked to first enroll in the OPAL course. There, they will receive all further information regarding registration and the course schedule. Anyone interested in the IP Management Course should please register by email at carina.gerlach@piz.tu-chemnitz.de.
Further information about the program is available from the European Patent Office at: https://www.epo.org/de/learning/learning-resources-profile/universities-research-centres-and-technology-transfer-centres/modular-ip-education-framework as well as at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y-B9wuSViA.
For questions regarding the content, please contact Dr. Carina Gerlach, Head of the Patent Information Center, email: carina.gerlach@piz.tu-chemnitz.de.
Dr. Nadia Lois from the Center for Early-Career Researchers will answer organizational questions; email: nadia.lois@rektor.tu-chemnitz.de.
(Author: Dr. Nadia Lois)
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Further Links
👉 www.tu-chemnitz.de
Graphic: MIPEF key visual
