Dear Researchers, Dear Knowledge and Technology Transfer Colleagues,
In collaboration with the intellectual property specialist firm ZACCO from Munich, with whom we have a long-standing partnership in the legal protection of service inventions, the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office of the University of Maribor is organising a training session focused on patent protection for inventions in the fields of life sciences, mechanical engineering, and information technology (IT).
The event titled Beyond the Lab: Empowering Innovation of Academic Research offers an excellent opportunity for researchers and professionals working in technology transfer offices to enhance their knowledge in the area of patent protection and intellectual property (IP).
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When? Friday, 16 May 2025, from 9.00 to 12.00
Where? Boris Podrecca Hall, Rectorate of the University of Maribor
Speakers: Dr. Heiko Pittner and Dr. Stig Benthin
In the first part of the programme, the invited speakers, experienced professionals, will present key aspects of patent protection for inventions. Dr. Pittner will explain the basic requirements for obtaining a patent in physics, mechanics, and IT, and share his experiences working with inventors at universities and research institutes. He will also talk about the role of artificial intelligence in the field of intellectual property. Dr. Benthin will structure his presentation around different types of IP rights, placing special emphasis on pharmaceutical and medical aspects, including lifecycle management, and will also provide an investor’s perspective on the topic.
The second part of the event will feature a hands-on workshop for support staff from technology transfer offices. Participants will gain valuable insight from a patent attorney into how to increase the chances of obtaining a patent.
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Event Programme:
| TIME | TOPIC |
| Part 1 | |
| 9:00-9:30 | Arrival of participants |
| 9:30-9:35 | Welcome address by the organiser Prof. Dr. Dean Korošak, Vice-Rector for Research |
| 9:35-10:05 | Patent Protection in Biochemistry and Medicine Dr. Stig Benthin, ZACCO |
| 10:05-10:35 | IP in Physics, Mechanical Engineering and IT Dr. Heiko Pittner, ZACCO |
| 10:35-10:50 | Break |
| Part 2 | |
| 10:50-12:00 | Workshop for Technology Transfer Office Support Staff: How to Improve Your Chances of Obtaining a Patent Dr. Heiko Pittner and Dr. Stig Benthin, ZACCO |
| 12:00 | Closing of the event |
The event will be held in English.
Registration is open until 14 May 2025 via this form.
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Dr. Heiko Pittner is a German and European patent attorney and holds a PhD in physics. He has worked at CERN in Geneva and the Max Planck Institute for Quantum Optics in Munich, with a focus on laser physics, optics, atomic physics, and electromagnetic traps. With over 12 years of professional experience in intellectual property, he specialises in obtaining IP rights in fields such as automotive, telecommunications, software, sensor and measurement technology, laser systems, and food processing technologies. He is recognised as a recommended expert in the prestigious publication IAM Patent 1000 by Intellectual Asset Management.
Dr. Stig Benthin, PhD in biotechnology, has more than 20 years of experience in intellectual property. His practice includes drafting and prosecuting patent applications and supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), handling oppositions and appeals, conducting freedom-to-operate analyses, infringement and validity assessments, and licensing support. He specialises in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry, covering areas such as biotechnology, immunology, molecular biology, organic chemistry, cell cultures, fermentation, and industrial biotechnology. He is also listed as a recommended expert in IAM Patent 1000 by Intellectual Asset Management.
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We kindly invite you to join us!