Intellectual Property lunch sessions: TU/e researchers explore the power of IP
Throughout the academic year 2024–2025, The Gate, TU/e’s valorization office, organized a series of engaging lunch sessions on Intellectual Property (IP) in collaboration with various faculties. These sessions aimed to raise awareness among TU/e staff about the strategic value of IP and to support researchers in protecting and leveraging their innovations.
The initiative reached several departments, including IE&IS, Industrial Design, APSE, Electrical Engineering, Built Environment, and Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. Each session was tailored to the specific context of the faculty, while maintaining a shared goal: empowering academic staff to understand and utilize IP as a tool for societal and economic impact.
From policy to practice
A notable example was the session held on May 28, 2025, at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, led by Dr. Natasa Marsic, IP Manager and European Patent and Trademark Attorney. The session provided a clear overview of what IP entails, why it matters in an academic setting, and how TU/e supports its staff in managing and valorizing intellectual assets.
TU/e’s policy on IP and valorization was explained in detail: from ownership rules and determining inventorship to the steps for assessing patentability. One key message stood out: protect your idea before making it public. The criteria of novelty, inventiveness and industrial applicability were also discussed.
Beyond legal frameworks, the session highlighted the benefits of engaging with IP: personal recognition, financial rewards, attracting research sponsors, and the opportunity to launch spin-offs. TU/e actively encourages entrepreneurship among its researchers, and The Gate provides tailored support through advisory services, training, and access to networks.
Be a part of it
Real-world examples, such as trademarked sounds and colors, and even the debate over copyright ownership of a monkey selfie, added a light-hearted touch to the otherwise technical content. The session concluded with practical resources for patent searches and a call to action: “Be a part of it!”—inviting staff to collaborate with The Gate and explore the potential of their innovations.
In the coming months, The Gate will continue organizing new IP sessions, further building a strong TU/e culture of innovation and knowledge valorization. Keep an eye out for announcements and take the opportunity to join these valuable learning and networking moments.