News

Getting patent protection in multiple countries used to be complicated and expensive—but not anymore. Thanks to special agreements, your European patent can now work in places far beyond the EU, including Laos, Cambodia, Morocco, and more. Here’s how it works in simple terms.

Farmers are under pressure—droughts, rising costs, and eco-friendly rules make growing food harder than ever. But there’s good news: faster, smarter plant breeding is here, and a new licensing system makes these innovations easy to access. Here’s how it works—and why it matters for Europe’s food future.

Last year, Czechs filed just 463 patent applications—the lowest number since 1995. Universities and businesses are applying for fewer patents, but why? While some blame a lack of awareness about intellectual property, others point to "offshoring patents," where foreign companies own Czech-made inventions. Despite the slump, there’s good news: Czech innovators are increasingly filing patents abroad, showing they’re still thinking big. Let’s break it down!

On 5 March 2025, the European Patent Office (EPO) and Japan’s JETRO held their 13th annual meeting in Munich, sparking exciting discussions on innovation, sustainability, and the future of patents. With key players like JETRO Düsseldorf Director General Kazuyoshi Sugano in attendance, the event highlighted how collaboration is driving progress for Japanese companies in Europe. Here’s what you need to know: