Business Breakfast and Company Visits with the Chamber Members of Ida-Virumaa and the Estonian Patent Office

Most entrepreneurs are often compelled to come up with new working methods or technical solutions to achieve their goals more efficiently. If they wish to gain more from the results of their intellectual efforts, it is crucial to understand whether these results could be considered protectable intellectual property that others might be interested in using and that could generate income for the owner. On the other hand, not everything needs to be invented from scratch—solutions may already exist elsewhere, and it is essential to identify and utilize them. These and related topics were discussed at the joint business breakfast between the Chamber members and the leaders of the Estonian Patent Office, held in Jõhvi, followed by visits to member companies.

Below is a brief summary of what the Estonian Patent Office is and how collaboration with it could benefit businesses:

• The Estonian Patent Office is a government agency responsible for implementing state policies in the field of intellectual property rights protection. It operates under the Ministry of Justice and carries out the executive functions of state power in this area.
• In fulfilling its duties, the Patent Office collaborates closely with international organizations (such as WIPO, EPO, and EUIPO) and Estonian research institutions.
• It is vital for entrepreneurs to protect their intellectual property through patents, utility models, trademarks, design solutions, geographical indications, or microchip topographies. Detailed explanations of these terms are available on the Patent Office's website: https://www.epa.ee/
• Entrepreneurs can access databases of inventions and trademarks on the Patent Office’s website.
• Periodically, businesses should review their intellectual property and apply for protection if necessary. The "Creative Asset Test" can be helpful for this purpose: https://io.epa.ee/et/intellektuaalomandi-test
• Additional assistance on intellectual property matters is available from patent attorneys and Enterprise Estonia (EAS). A list of patent attorneys is also available on the Patent Office’s website.
• The Patent Office offers free consultations to interested parties. Contact phone numbers can be found on their website.
• If needed, the Patent Office can also perform paid patent searches.