The ownership of European patents and trade marks is associated with an even higher advantage, with a rate of securing early-stage funding exceeding five times that of national IP rights (6.1 times more likely for trade marks and 5.3 for patents). The so-called “deep tech” startups have particular challenges when developing breakthrough technologies, as they require large investments and long lead times. Such startups can benefit especially from patents and trade marks to attract “patient” investors.
“Intangible assets represent the vast majority of the value of a business today, and formal intellectual property rights, such as trade marks, are not only legal safeguards for investment in intangibles, but the key to securing financing and collaborations”, said João Negrão, the Executive Director of the EUIPO. “This is especially important for newly started, innovative companies, who typically have few assets at the initial stage aside from their intellectual capital.”
