A recent EUIPO survey shows that 85% of SMEs benefitting from the Ideas Powered for business SME Fund maintain both an online and physical presence, indicating the growing importance of e-commerce channels for European businesses. With the rise of e-commerce, protecting IP assets has become more important for these businesses.

e-Commerce marketplaces play a crucial role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that operate as online sellers and are key stakeholders in promoting IP awareness among EU businesses.

By increasing IP awareness among online sellers, the EUIPO aims to empower businesses to foster innovation by using IP to build a strong brand reputation and protect their ideas. It is vital for EU businesses to understand the benefits of IP rights, such as legal protection, reputation growth and financial leverage.

The EUIPO seeks to collaborate by providing material on IP, organising IP training, sharing IP information for online sellers – including IP online material (e.g: banners, specific sites), as well as the opportunity to participate in relevant SME-focused events.

This will benefit e-commerce marketplaces as it will help them to provide a more secure platform, which will help their sellers protect their intangible assets and have a positive impact on their reputation.

More information for interested e-commerce marketplaces can be found in the open call for expression of interest.

Article first published here.