The Foundation for Finnish Inventions, together with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH) and the IPR University Center (IPRUC), has produced a new type of online course “Future Inventors and IPR”. The free and open course provides basic information on patents and other IPR rights for inventors, business leaders, entrepreneurs, students, and others interested in the subject.
Developing technical solutions generates intangible capital that can be protected by intangible IPR rights. Today, many valuable things are intangible. On average, 84% of a company’s value is intangible, and even more in many industries.
Patents and utility models are of primary importance to inventors and technology-developing companies. They improve the chances of success of the invention and protect the results of R&D work from unauthorized copiers. It is also important to know and utilize other IPR protection methods.
On this course, you can learn about intangible rights and their use in commercializing inventions and in business. The aim of the course is to provide a basic understanding and provide tools for protecting the results of creative work and R&D activities. Registration for the course is easy and does not require the installation of programs. The course is open to everyone and free of charge.
Course learning objectives
- You know the main intangible rights (IPR) that protect intangible property and understand how they can be used to protect your invention.
- You understand the economic and strategic importance of intangible rights from a business perspective.
- You can manage your own rights in different cooperation situations and contract negotiations.
Completing the course
The course consists of nine sections, which contain materials related to the subject of the section. The course can be completed flexibly at any time. It is advisable to familiarize yourself with the materials one section at a time and then take the online test found at the bottom of the section. The course has six tests that must be passed with acceptable points to receive a course certificate.
You can register for the course platform and access the course through this link: https://ipruc.fi/tulevaisuuden-keksijat-ja-ipr-aloitussivu/ (in Finnish)
Foundation for Finnish Inventions sr.
Foundation for Finnish Inventions
Founded in 1971, the Foundation for Finnish Inventions promotes Finnish invention activities and the utilization of inventions. The Foundation’s long-term services have included the Product Path, Invention Agents, invention financing services, and InnoSuomi competitions. The Foundation influences societal discussion and political decision-making in accordance with its objectives.
The IPR University Center, jointly established by six universities, began operations on January 1, 2000. The main purpose of the IPR University Center is to disseminate information on intangible rights. The IPR University Center produces research and training in intellectual property law, provides information services, publishes the IPRinfo online magazine, and disseminates information. The IPR University Center was established because the teaching, research, and utilization of intangible rights in business in Finland had been limited and fragmented. The multidisciplinarity of intangible rights requires cooperation between different disciplines. We are a link between universities and the business world, creating opportunities for close cooperation.
Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH)
The PRH is a net-budgeted agency that belongs to the administrative branch of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (TEM). We work for the benefit of businesses and communities. The PRH registers companies, associations, foundations, and other communities, as well as business mortgages and LEI codes. The PRH administers intangible rights in Finland and examines and grants patents and utility models, registers trademarks for products and services, and design protection for design. The PRH advises and trains and provides information on businesses, communities, and intangible rights.