During a joint webinar with SMEUnited, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and European Association of Guarantee Institutions (AECM), Sophia Zakari, Director for Enterprise Policy and Legal Affairs, highlighted the challenges SMEs face in protecting intellectual property (IP). Despite the potential of IP as collateral when seeking financing, European banks often hesitate to recognise its added value. 

This discourages entrepreneurs from protecting their IP. On top of this, there is a lack of awareness and skills among entrepreneurs who do not know where to start. Eventually, entrepreneurs take the risk of losing their innovation and ultimately the very essence of their company.

Read more about the valuable materials EUIPO offers to SMEs on how to monetise IP.