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Intellectual & Industrial Property Rights

Protecting intellectual property, promoting innovation

The HRW is not only a place of learning, but also a breeding ground for innovation and creativity. We encourage people to acquire new knowledge and develop their own ideas. Innovations and inventions are proof of our scientific reputation and have significant economic potential. These must be protected.

Intellectual Property

Intellectual property refers to intangible creations of the human mind, such as inventions, designs, trade marks and creative works. The HRW attaches great importance to educating students and employees in this area and enabling them to protect their intellectual creations appropriately.

Notification of Invention

New ideas and innovative solutions should be recorded through notifications of invention. Through this process, property rights such as patents, trade marks or designs can be applied for in order to protect the results of intensive research work and enable commercial utilisation.

In cooperation with the commercialisation agency PROvendis GmbH, HRW offers comprehensive support in filing notifications of inventions as well as advice on protection, commercialisation and application options. Our dedicated team will answer questions, explain the process and guide you every step of the way. We believe that every innovative project has the potential to change the world.

Further Education & Research Opportunities

HRW members can take advantage of free training programmes and services, such as

  • Web seminars and e-learning courses on the subject of intellectual property (IP)
  • Protection and commercialisation of research results
    Initial consultation and advice on protection options
  • Advice on specific issues relating to the protection and exploitation of computer programs and software
  • Consultancy & IP services for spin-offs
  • Measures & services for the targeted transfer of research results
  • innovation2business.nrw: Measures for more intensive cooperation between universities and companies