The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has taken an important step towards placing intellectual property (IP) at the heart of international discussions on financing and innovation. On 13 October, the EUIPO hosted a high-level roundtable in Bangkok as part of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, with the aim of exploring how intangible assets can help finance business growth.
The event brought together representatives of international financial institutions, public bodies and experts to address an increasingly important question: how can the value of patents, trademarks and other intangible assets be converted into tangible financing opportunities for businesses?
In an economy increasingly driven by knowledge, technology and innovation, intellectual property is a key component of many businesses’ value. However, these assets continue to play a limited role in traditional financing decisions, particularly when it comes to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups and businesses looking to expand.
According to the EUIPO study IP-backed Finance in Europe: State of Play and Future Perspectives, the annual financing gap for European SMEs could reach €365 billion, of which between €70 billion and €150 billion relates to businesses active in the field of intellectual property. The report also estimates that an appropriate financial infrastructure could unlock between €30 billion and €120 billion in additional financing each year through the use of IP assets.
Despite this potential, only 13% of the IP rights holders surveyed had attempted to obtain financing using these assets.
Progress in this area will require improved IP valuation mechanisms, access to reliable data, more effective risk assessment and closer cooperation between public institutions and the financial sector.
Against this backdrop, the EUIPO is stepping up its cooperation with European and international organisations to promote the recognition of IP rights as economic assets capable of supporting financing transactions. This work includes initiatives involving the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund and the European Banking Federation, as well as international cooperation projects.
This initiative highlights the fact that intellectual property should not be viewed solely as a means of protecting businesses against third parties. When properly managed and valued, it can also become a strategic tool for accessing finance, commercialising innovation and supporting business growth.
Greater recognition of the financial value of patents, trademarks and other intangible assets could help more businesses turn their ideas and technological developments into viable, competitive and sustainable ventures.
Noelia Gutiérrez
Trademark Attorney
