Intellectual Property (IP) Helpdesk (European Commission).

What is this?

The European Intellectual Property (IP) Helpdesk is a free first-line advice channel from the European Commission for questions about intellectual property (IP).

Through this helpdesk, European SMEs can easily submit a question and (usually) receive an answer from IP experts within a few working days.

Who is it for?

• European SMEs
• (Often also relevant for) start-ups, researchers, and organisations working on EU projects

What can you use the helpdesk for?

For practical questions about, among other things:

• Protection of IP (trade marks, patents, designs, copyright, …)
• Strategy: what should you protect, and when?
• Enforcement and dealing with possible infringements
• Basic advice on IP aspects of collaboration (e.g. with partners, suppliers)

How do you ask a question?

1. Go to the IP Helpdesk page.
2. Use the option to submit your question (online form).
3. Describe your situation as concretely as possible (country/region, type of IP, timing, what you have already done).

Tips to get a useful answer faster

• Provide context (sector, where you operate, what exactly you want to protect).
• Add (if relevant) links or brief descriptions of your product/brand.
• Formulate 1–3 clear sub-questions instead of one broad question.

Important to know

• This is first-line advice: it does not replace in-depth legal support.
• For complex cases, the helpdesk may refer you to specialised support.

Links

• VLAIO expertise database: https://www.vlaio.be/nl/begeleiding-advies/expertisedatabank/intellectual-property-ip-helpdesk
• European IP Helpdesk (home): https://intellectual-property-helpdesk.ec.europa.eu/index_en
• VLAIO overview of IP: https://www.vlaio.be/nl/begeleiding-advies/groei-innovatie/intellectuele-eigendom