Patent Game OCTRO

The process takes them from idea to market launch – and finally to the successful sale of their product. During the game, players learn about the different kinds of intellectual property rights. They must think about which option is best for them. They then decide on the best way to use information from patent databases and registers.

Vitamin boost

Imagine that you are a famous fruit-drink manufacturer. Your company has developed a unique vitamin mixture that contains 90% of the vitamins a person needs each day. You naturally want to add this mixture to your fruit drinks. But then, during production, you see that the drinks are becoming thick and chunky.

Will you do your own research to solve this problem, or will you look in a patent database first? Or will you work with another company to find a solution? And once you have a new solution, who will own the property rights?

Choosing a patent strategy

The players are divided into 4 teams. Each team represents a different company. Our moderators will assist the teams. The OCTRO game has 2 main goals: introducing the players to the patent system, and teaching them to choose a strategy to market their new product successfully.

Practical details about the game

• Who it is for: researchers, lecturers and students at research universities, universities of applied sciences and knowledge institutions. It is also suitable for company owners.
• Number of players: between 15 and 30.
• How long does it take: between 1.5 and 2 hours.
• Needed to play: a shared space to play in (around 100 m2), a laptop and a beamer.
• Participation costs: none.