Strengthen your IP strategy with the IP Smart Scan
Use the IP Smart Scan to discover how to create value for your business with intellectual property. After an in-depth analysis, desk research, and a discussion on IP, you will be issued a detailed report featuring key interest points. The results of the IP Smart Scan equip you to make strategic choices and boost investor confidence.
IP Smart Scan: Strengthen your IP strategy
*Hiphop beat plays* Two CEO’s of startups talk about the Netherlands Patent Office. Man 1: The IP Smart Scan gives a company an overview of all the different aspects related to IP, intellectual property. Think about patents, trademarks, but also the collaborations you have or for example, the structure of the supply chain. Basically, we try to figure out which risks a company would be facing. Let's say an investor wants to invest in a business. Having less risk or knowing how to deal with it shows professionalism, but it also makes sure there's less chance that you'll run into trouble later on. Two patent advisors from the Netherlands Patent Office will come to your business location. We start with an interview. During that interview we will focus on the IP and dig quite deep. Usually we will speak with the CEO and CTO. After that we will make quite a big report that really focuses on the elements we want to focus on in the longer term. The IP Smart Scan probably gives you three advantages. First, you get a much better view on risk, which will help in the long term. Second, it creates value for the business. You'll have a better understanding of patents and utilising them better will give you additional value. And third, it prepares you. It's a professionalism towards investors. It will help you to make a better appearance to them. Startups and scaleups are usually very focused on further developing their technology. In my experience, they are usually not that focused on intellectual property. The IP Smart Scan is a useful tool to get an overview of all the different IP rights and get an IP strategy going. Man 2: When we were already a bit more mature, the IP Smart Scan was a very good method for us to understand where our risks lay within our intellectual property domain. One of the risks was the brand name. It was not protected yet. Based on this advice, we have protected our brand name in Europe. In lots of European countries we're now protected, and also in the United States of America. Man 2: Are you a startup or scaleup facing international growth or an investment round? Then this is the time for an IP Smart Scan. Logo of the Government of the Netherlands appears on screen. On-screen text: Want to know more about the IP Smart Scan? Visit Octrooicentrum Nederland. *Music plays shortly and fades out*
What is the IP Smart Scan?
The IP Smart Scan is a customised service developed by the Netherlands Patent Office. It enables you to strengthen the role of intellectual property within your company. Working with IP advisors at the Netherlands Patent Office, you will identify areas where you can strengthen your IP strategy to provide optimal support for your business objectives.
Who is it for?
The IP Smart Scan is available free of charge to companies that meet the conditions below. The company must:
- be located in the Netherlands;
- have between 5 and 250 employees;
- be technologically innovative;
- have growth ambitions;
- possess patents or licenses.
What can you expect from the IP Smart Scan?
- Analysis of IP rights: an evaluation that covers patents, brands, design rights, and more.
- Action plan: practical focal points to help you use IP optimally and reduce risks.
- Improved partnerships: insights designed to serve your interests by improving your IP agreements with partners.
- Future-oriented insights: how to make IP an integral part of your corporate strategy.
What are the benefits?
- Strategic choices: align IP with your growth ambitions.
- Greater investor confidence: a carefully thought-out IP strategy shows you have a clear grasp of opportunities and risks.
- Value creation: transform IP from a cost item into a valuable asset.
- Helicopter view: an overview of protection, cooperation, and operation.
An IP Smart Scan in 5 steps
With an IP Smart Scan, you can get much more out of your IP. Here’s how the scan works in 5 easy steps:
- Schedule an IP interview. Our IP advisors will work with your company’s CEO and CTO to arrange an IP interview.
- Targeted desk research. We initiate a desk research project focusing on your website and the various IP databases.
- Discuss the outcomes of the interview. During the interview, we ask our prepared questions and discuss your medium-term goals and business model(s).
- Preparing and issuing a report. We recap the key points from the discussion in a concise report.
- Results meeting. In the results meeting, we discuss points for attention with you, providing further clarification where needed. This enables you to make informed strategic decisions based on your IP strategy.
Request an IP Smart Scan
Are you curious about what the IP Smart Scan can do for your business? Why wait? Fill in the form, and an advisor from the Netherlands Patent Office will contact you.
- Ministry of Economic Affairs