Patents have accompanied industrial development and the development of mankind in general since time immemorial. Among the first is the patent for the classic spring trap from 1894. More famous, however, is the patent of the English inventor James Henry Atkinson, who had a similar principle written down in 1898. His Little Nipper dominated the world market within a few decades and allowed the inventor to cut a respectable sixty percent share of the profits.
But patents still drive the industrial world today. Who would have thought that Apple has dozens of patents, among which can be found even the smallest details in its stores, such as glass steps, stands on which iPads are placed, or paper shopping bags.
Innovation and the desire to improve drive the development of companies. And protecting intellectual property is part of it.
Intellectual property protection is an important tool for dealing with corporate assets. Indeed, intangible assets account for up to 85% of their total value.
According to a joint study published by the EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2022, IPR-intensive industries accounted for 29.7% of all jobs in the EU in 2017-2019 (36.6% in the Czech Republic). In the same period, these industries accounted for more than 47% of total economic activity (GDP) in the EU worth €6.4 trillion (54.4% in the Czech Republic).
Countries such as Germany, France, Italy and the Netherlands are leaders in the creation of new intellectual property rights. According to a survey by the Czech Statistical Office, in 2022 there were 169 entities in the Czech Republic that licensed their patent, utility model or industrial design. They earned a total of CZK 3.9 billion in licensing fees that year.
Another joint EUIPO and EPO study shows that Czech startups are among the above-average applicants for industrial rights protection in Europe. At the same time, ownership of registered rights significantly increases the likelihood that start-ups will be able to attract significant investment.
Effective management of intellectual property should be an integral part of the daily operations of companies of all sizes.
Looking back at previous years of the exhibition
Host town TŘINEC
The host town is located in the border region of Teschen Silesia. It is adjacent to the Polish and Slovak Republics. Třinec combines the steel heart of the city with the beauty of the surrounding countryside. In a few moments, after a visit to a heavy metallurgical operation, you can stand on the peaks of the surrounding mountains and relax undisturbed in the middle of the Beskydy forests. The industrial character of the town is given by the important company Třinec Ironworks, whose tradition of production dates back to 1839. The region's attractions also include traditional architecture and folklore. The colourful wooden buildings, the preservation of traditional crafts, folk customs and traditions make visitors forget where the boundary between past and present lies.
Venue of the exhibition WERK ARENA
The multifunctional arena WERK ARENA, where the exhibition is being held, is primarily used for hockey. However, the indoor areas are also intended for various cultural and social events (concerts, exhibitions, fairs, congresses, etc.). Thanks to its state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, it is considered one of the most modern arenas in Europe. You will find here the world's unique feature - the longest continuous LED screen.