Intellectual property rights

You should ask your respective employer at an early stage about the handling of intellectual property, patents, and inventions of your specific research assignment.

Where a patent is registered depends on the type of protection desired. If the Dutch market suffices, you can approach the Algemeen Octrooi en Merken Bureau and/or the Octrooicentrum Nederland (formerly known as the Bureau voor Intellectuele Eigendom). Protection at European level can be sought at the European Patent Office while the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) offers international protection of patents.

The centres responsible for the transfer of research and technology can usually provide information on liability in connection with your scientific work.

Intellectual Property Organizations

The Netherlands

Algemeen Octrooi- en Merkenbureau
Located at:
De Kennispoort
John F. Kennedylaan 2, 5612 AB Eindhoven
Postbus 645, 5600 AP Eindhoven
Telefoon:  + 31 (0)40 2433715         
Fax: + 31 (0)40 2434557
E-mail: info@aomb.nl
Website: www.aomb.nl (Dutch only)

Octrooicentrum Nederland
Located at Patentlaan 2 - 2288 EE Rijswijk
Postal address is Postbus 5820 - 2280 HV Rijswijk
to visit:
You can make an appointment for a visit (mail to info@octrooicentrum.nl).
Without appointment you can drop by on Tuesday from 14.00 – 17.00
(when visiting you are requested to bring your ID-papers)
Telephone helpdesk:  +31 (0)70 – 398 66 99  (workdays 09.00 – 17.00)
www.octrooicentrum.nl (Dutch only)

Europe

European Patent Office
Contact
www.european-patent-office.org

IPR-Helpdesk
They assist potential and current contractors taking part in Community funded research and technological development projects on intellectual property rights (IPR) issues.
www.ipr-helpdesk.org

Worldwide

World Intellectual Property Organization
Located at 34, chemin des Colombettes, in Geneva, Switzerland
www.wipo.int
For general telephone enquiries, please call   

+4122 338 91 11        

Other relevant organizations and sources of information

Dutch Group of the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI)
This association endeavours to promote the protection of intellectual property by drawing attention to the need to protect creation and innovation. More information can be found on their website: www.aippi.nl

Licensing Executives Society International (LESI)
An association of 31 national and regional societies, each composed of men and women who have an interest in the transfer of technology, or licensing of intellectual property rights - from technical know how and patented inventions to software, copyright and trade marks.
www.lesi.org (international)
www.les-benelux.org (benelux)

• European Information

Guide "Intellectual Property Rights"
The IPR-Guide in seven languages addresses decision makers and has been drafted in co-operation with experts from Patent Offices, patent lawyers and consultants on innovation issues from different European countries.
European Commission

'Why researchers should care about patents'
A consice and informative brochure by the European Commission on patents in R&D projects.
European Commission

IPR-Helpdesk Project
Information on the protection of intellectual property rights in general and in connection with projects within the the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).
IPR-Helpdesk Project Portal

• Information for Entrepreneurs

Chamber of Commerce
This Dutch website contains a great deal of information useful for entrepeneurs. Here you will find a lot of information on intellectual property rights. Worth a visit!

• Specialized Attorney Offices

The Algemeen Octrooi en Merken Bureau employs intellectual property attorneys.
Algemeen Octrooi en Merken Bureau  (Dutch only)

De Gier en Stam
attorney’s office also specialised in intellectual property
www.degier-stam.nl