Intellectual Property (IP) is a vital asset for businesses, driving innovation, competitiveness, and long-term growth. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), effective IP management is crucial to safeguarding ideas, protecting brand identity, and maintaining market exclusivity. However, navigating IP regulations across different markets can be complex. To address these challenges, the European Commission has established dedicated support mechanisms, including the EC IP (SME) Helpdesk. This initiative provides European businesses with free expert guidance, training, and resources to help them manage, protect, and enforce their intellectual property rights (IPR). The EC IP (SME) Helpdesk has delivered first-line support to European SMEs across six key regions—Europe, China, India, Latin America, South-East Asia, and Africa—while the European IP Helpdesk has supported SMEs and researchers involved in EU-funded projects in overcoming IP-related challenges.
In line with these efforts, the European Business Organisation Worldwide Network (EBOWN) recently hosted a webinar titled “Capacity Building for SMEs: An Introduction to the EC IP (SME) Helpdesk.” Held on 26 March 2025, the session featured Claire Fritz, Head of IP & Innovation at Eurice and Coordinator of the European IP Helpdesk, who provided an in-depth overview of the EC IP Helpdesk’s role in supporting European SMEs in international markets.
The session focused on equipping European SMEs with a clear understanding of the IP Helpdesk and the tools available to help them navigate IP management, protection, and enforcement when expanding into global markets. Claire covered key aspects such as trademark registration, patent protection, copyright enforcement, and common IP risks in international trade. She also introduced the ECIP SME Helpdesk as the European Commission’s primary IP support service, offering free, multilingual guidance to SMEs. She outlined its available resources, including training programs, publications, and digital tools such as the IP Diagnostic Tool and IP Cost Tool, which help businesses assess their IP strategy and understand cost implications in different regions. Additionally, Claire highlighted the helpdesk confidential, one-on-one expert consultations, typically responding to inquiries within three working days.
Collaboration was also a key theme, with Claire emphasising partnerships with chambers of commerce, EU institutions, and the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN). She highlighted initiatives such as the IP Ambassador Scheme, which connects experts across 26 European countries to support SMEs in their respective regions. She encouraged attendees to take advantage of the helpdesk resources, participate in tailored training sessions, and explore upcoming events to strengthen their IP knowledge.
The webinar saw high engagement from participants, with active discussions on IP enforcement challenges, jurisdictional differences, and best practices for securing intellectual assets. The interactive Q&A segment underscored the importance of integrating IP strategies into business operations to ensure competitiveness and legal protection in diverse markets.
EBOWN remains committed to empowering European businesses by facilitating access to critical knowledge and expert-driven resources. By organising discussions on essential topics like IP management, EBOWN continues to support SMEs in their international expansion efforts. Moving forward, EBOWN will sustain its focus on fostering international collaboration, equipping businesses with the expertise to navigate regulatory landscapes, and ensuring their long-term success in the global market.
