Patent Information Centre at the University of Latvia

However, a patent is primarily an instrument which helps for a limited period to protect uniqueness of the product offered on the market, to return on investment and earn licensing money. For better predicting the potential value, as well as assessing chances of obtaining a patent before filing an application, it is essential to conduct a patent prior search, evaluate the existing technical information, investigate any competitors acting on the market and weigh up the future perspectives. In certain situations, patenting might not be the best solution; however, if a new product is to be launched in the market, it is important to make sure that the patent rights of competitors should not be broken. Supporting researchers to patent their innovations the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at the University of Latvia with the assistance of the European Patent Office is currently working on the Patent Information Centre Reorganization Pilot Project. It was initiated in November, 2010 when the Centre’s staff participated in training on patent information management organized by the European Patent Office in Munich. The Project will run until the end of 2013. Within the Project the staff offers researchers and entrepreneurs patent search possibilities, patent statistical analysis and evaluation of the commercial potential of an invention. All who developed a potentially patentable invention or wanted to introduce a new product but are not sure to infringe the patent-protected third party’s rights, etc., can contact the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at the University of Latvia. Its staff will be ready to help and find necessary information, to give their support and advice.

• <link internal-link>Innovation Centre
  

Translated by students of the professional study programme Translator of the University of Latvia.