Tailored IP Strategies: Protecting Project Results Effectively
On February 3rd, the STELAR project held its internal Intellectual Property (IP) workshop. Led by Tatjana Knežević, Head of Exploitation at Foodscale Hub, the session focused on IPR management activities as the project enters its final year.
The agenda covered key aspects of IP protection, including STELAR’s specific IP protection needs, common and alternative protection measures, and strategic next steps. The discussion aimed to ensure that all project partners understand their roles in safeguarding and managing STELAR’s intellectual assets.
STELAR's IPR Management Strategy
IP management plays an essential part in the entire lifecycle of research and innovation projects funded under the European Commission’s Horizon Europe Framework Programme. Overall, STELAR IPR management strategy aims to:
- Increase the overall IP knowledge of all Consortium Members.
- Identify and provide a clear picture of the partner’s existing IP.
- Identify potential ways for IP Protection.
- Facilitate the development of a joint IP management and exploitation strategy.
- Prevent potential IP conflicts between the Consortium Members but also between 3rd parties (e.g., IP infringement).
- Enhance the Project’s overall Plan for the Exploitation and Dissemination of Results.
Tatjana outlined the progress made in this context as follows: :
- IP Identification involves enumerating the intellectual property and determining ownership. For STELAR, this process is nearly complete, with a comprehensive list of intellectual property generated during the project now compiled. Additionally, an IP assessment has been conducted and is in its final stages. This ensures that all relevant IP assets are properly documented and accounted for, forming a strong foundation for future exploitation activities.
- IP Protection is essential for the potential commercial or industrial exploitation of project results, though it is not always mandatory. To support this, the IP Protection Requirements Analysis Tool has been developed. This tool assesses whether the protection of STELAR assets through one or more methods is necessary. Understanding the nuances of IP protection is critical, as different types of assets require distinct approaches to ensure their value is preserved and leveraged effectively.
- IP Management focuses on the implementation of management processes, roles, and procedures. Clear guidelines are already established, while each partner’s role is yet to be defined to ensure the effective utilisation and exploitation of project outcomes. A structured approach to IP management enhances collaboration among partners, allowing them to align their objectives and responsibilities with the overall project strategy.
Exploring IP Protection Measures
The workshop provided an in-depth review of key IP protection measures, such as:
- Patents and Utility Models
- Copyright
- Industrial Designs
- Trade Marks
- Trade Secrets
- Database Rights
Moreover, certain solutions such as trusted (digital) timestamping were also considered as they may complement existing IP protection measures by cost-effectively proving evidence to prove that the STELAR was the first to use the IP asset. However, such alternative ways of IP protection (timestamp, electronic seal) do not replace formal IP registration.
Tatjana also discussed the specifics of IPR in software and software copyright, highlighting protection strategies for STELAR’s Knowledge Lake Management System (KLMS). Since software is a major component of STELAR’s innovation, understanding its legal and commercial implications is essential. Various protection models were examined, ensuring that project partners are equipped to make informed decisions on software licensing and ownership structures.
Additionally, the Recommended Licensing Model for STELAR KLMS was presented, offering insights into how the system’s intellectual property can be managed effectively. The discussion revolved around selecting the most suitable licensing approach to balance accessibility, innovation, and commercialisation opportunities.
Next Steps for STELAR
The workshop first covered IP protection for the entire STELAR KLMS, outlining short-term (0-1 year), medium-term (1-3 years), and long-term (3+ years) protection strategies. This structured approach ensures that each phase of IP protection aligns with STELAR’s broader exploitation roadmap. By categorising protection measures over different timeframes, partners can prioritise immediate needs while planning for sustainable long-term strategies.
Following this, a detailed discussion took place regarding recommended IP protection for individual project results. This segment aimed to tailor protection measures to the specific needs of each asset, ensuring that all project-generated intellectual property is optimally secured and positioned for future use.
As STELAR progresses into its final phase, these efforts will play a crucial role in securing its innovations and ensuring long-term impact. By refining its IPR management strategies, the project is paving the way for a well-structured exploitation pathway, benefiting both research advancements and industry applications.
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