The European Patent Office (EPO) is holding an international conference on "Financing Innovation" in Venice on 27 November 2008. Jointly organised with the Italian Patent and Trademark Office the conference takes place on the occasion of the 5th annual Venice Award for Intellectual Property Culture.
The event will focus on the issues faced by innovative companies and their options when seeking finance. Experts from the worlds of investment, finance and intellectual property management will address topics such as valuation of intangible assets, using IP to secure financing, assessment of credit and investment risks, perspectives of investors, licences, litigation insurance and diverse sources of funding, particularly important given the current global financial turmoil.
Raising finance to bring new inventions to market is one of the most challenging steps in the innovation process. Especially in a climate of economic uncertainty where credit is becoming difficult to obtain, knowing how to use IP to secure the finances is vital for nurturing innovation. This conference will bring together innovators and those who seek financing for innovation. Start–ups and SMEs will learn their options to access finance and understand the perspectives of Venture Capitalists and banks´ criteria for credit rating. And they will hear from leaders of companies who have successfully commercialised their innovations.
The conference is preceded by the fifth Annual Venice Award for Intellectual Property Culture, hosted by the City of Venice at the Palazzo Ducale. This award recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the world of intellectual property law, policy and practice.
Registration for the conference is possible until 14 November 2008 at http://application.epo.org/ipcal/i_event.php?id=2120
