Virtuality Meets Reality: Making Your IP Tangible

Each investor will ask you what is unique about your innovation and how you protect it. Think of preventing counterfeiting or keeping your trade secrets from leaking. With an IP strategy, you have the answer to these kinds of questions. In this session, we will walk through the different types of IP rights and how you can use them for your IP strategy. In part 2, we take a more detailed look at patents and Espacenet, a free global patent database with more than 170 million publications. Espacenet is a source of inspiration and data that allows you to improve your innovation, see what your competitors are doing and discover interesting potential collaboration partners. After this session, you will have a better idea of the possibilities and can get started with your own IP strategy. Program 10:00 – 10:05 WelcomeSteven Feenstra, HTCE (3EALITY & AI Innovation Center) 10:05 – 10:10 Breaking Barriers programAnita Lieverdink, AIC4NL 10:10 – 10:15 Introduction to Octrooicentrum NederlandPaul Simons, Octrooicentrum Nederland 10:15 – 11:15 Part 1: Presentation IP Strategy & IPO Breakdown 11:15 – 11:30 Coffee break 11:30 – 13:00 Part 2: Patents & EspacenetPlease bring a laptop to be able to search in Espacenet during part 2. Speakers About Paul Simons – Octrooicentrum NederlandPaul works as an IP Advisor for the Netherlands Patent Office, a governmental organization. With over 30 years of experience in R&D projects, from idea to realization in the manufacturing industry, he knows what major topics can play a role in innovation and development. In his current role for the non-profit organization Octrooicentrum Nederland, he offers free help to startups, scale-ups and innovative SME companies in the provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, acting as a sparring partner and providing information and services as mentioned on the Octrooicentrum Nederland website. About Anita Lieverdink – AI Coalition for the NetherlandsAnita is the lead of Breaking Barriers, AIC4NL’s national growth program for ambitious AI startups in the Netherlands. Through Breaking Barriers, she supports high-potential AI companies in strengthening their market position, securing growth opportunities, and building responsible, internationally competitive AI businesses. By connecting startups with the right expertise, investors, and partners, Anita helps translate promising AI innovations into scalable, impactful businesses that strengthen the Dutch and European AI ecosystem.