The UM Patlib aims to demystify the patent process, provide practical guidance, and assist in turning ideas into protected, viable innovations.
The UM PATLIB falls part of the wider
PATLIB community and provides a public service offering free initial guidance to the general public on their invention as well as access to patent knowledge to help entrepreneurs and SMEs understand if they should protect their IP, what type of IP rights may be best suited, and an explanation of the patent/design process itself. While centred on patents, the PATLIB experts also provide practical assistance and guidance on other crucial Intellectual Property Rights, including trademarks and designs, offering a holistic IP helpdesk for the entire community.
Our core services include:
- Focus on patents, trademarks, designs and copyright
- Understanding IP rights
- First-line support for IP-related queries from researchers, SMEs, and individual inventors
- Patent Search Support: Guidance on prior art searches to evaluate novelty and patentability.
- Lecturing and training: Delivering tailored workshops and seminars on IP basics, patent filing processes, and IP commercialisation.
- Initial guidance on how to use IP as a strategic business asset for growth.
- Funding: Identifying national and European funding schemes (e.g., local R&D grants) to support technology development.
