Pre-diagnostic service for intellectual property (FPS Economy).

In short

The pre-diagnostic service for intellectual property is a free service (subsidised by the Office for Intellectual Property – DIE) that allows your company to have its intellectual property rights (IPR) screened by a recognised expert. You will then receive a report with tailored recommendations.

For whom?

This service is intended for:

• innovative companies with little experience in IPR (the so-called “unawares”), and
• companies that already have knowledge but want to explore new domains.

Condition: your company has a company number (CBE) and a registered office in Belgium.

What happens during a pre-diagnosis?

During an interview, an IP expert maps out, among other things:

• which (potential) IP rights your company has,
• which contractual clauses regarding IP exist with partners/employees,
• which steps are needed to register knowledge/assets.

The IPR for which you may be eligible are then identified. The expert prepares a report with recommendations, for example:

• research into the state of the art (with a view to a patent application),
• extension/definition of trademark protection,
• better specification of IP in contract clauses,
• protection of additional domain names,
• …

Advantages

• Free, objective and qualified analysis.
• In confidence and independently.
• All domains are covered (including patents, copyright, trademarks, domain names, designs & models, licences and contracts).
• The report helps to draw up a concrete IP action plan.

Procedure and timing

• Between application and delivery of the report is a maximum of 3 months.
• The report is delivered no later than 90 days after the application.

How to apply

You apply via the digital application form.

On the page you will also find:

• the application form (PDF),
• the list of recognised experts (PDF) to choose an expert yourself.

Contact

• Email: prediag@economie.fgov.be
• Tel.: 02 277 90 11

Link

• https://economie.fgov.be/nl/themas/intellectuele-eigendom/tools-voor-sensibilisering/prediagnostische-dienst-voor