BlackBinder revolutionizes musical performance by creating a digital music score system that automatically scrolls sheet music, enabling musicians to play hands-free while protecting intellectual property through strategic patent protection.

Two young entrepreneurs, Alice Zantedeschi and Francesca Pievani, founded Fili Pari, an Italian fashion-tech start-up that merges textile innovation with Italy’s iconic marble industry. Their patented fabric, MARM\MORE, is waterproof, windproof, abrasion-resistant and coloured naturally by stone.

From a frustrating travel pillow during a skiing trip in Lapland (Finland) to a patented global innovation, Finnish entrepreneur Niklas Kuusela created Neckpacker: a travel jacket with a built-in inflatable pillow. Supported by national funds and crowdfunding campaigns, Neckpacker turned a personal pain point into a successful product now sold in more than 70 countries.

Founded in 2016 by Rosalie Bogaard, Rose d’Anvers blends Antwerp’s centuries-old diamond craftsmanship with the beauty of natural roses by enhancing natural roses with handcrafted diamonds. By patenting its unique preservation and crafting techniques, the company has secured its position in a competitive market and built a reputation for unmatched quality.

Scandic Bar ApS, founded by Zander Lauritzen Hansen, produces professional bartender equipment and has become a trusted brand in Europe. Their journey to securing an EU trademark was far from simple, but perseverance and self-education turned challenges into a victory. Today, the “Scandic Bar” brand stands as a mark of quality and credibility.

The Learn-IP project set out to raise awareness of intellectual property (IP) rights in the cultural heritage and cultural tourism sectors. Coordinated by Karin Drda-Kühn with IP expertise from Thomas Bürvenich, the project developed training modules and resources to help professionals protect unique crafts, designs, and regional products, while also generating revenues and safeguarding cultural identity.

In the heart of Romania’s Bucovina region, the village of Marginea preserves a centuries-old pottery technique that produces ceramics with a distinctive black colour without any additives. Recognised by a registered trademark since 2006, Marginea’s black pottery not only safeguards cultural heritage but also attracts visitors, boosting tourism and the local economy.

Pablo Ruiz Picasso, a pioneer of Cubism and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, left behind not only a vast artistic legacy but also a complex intellectual property (IP) portfolio. Today, Succession Picasso manages related IP rights, ensuring that his name, works, and likeness are used lawfully while safeguarding the art market against counterfeits and unauthorised exploitation.

Since 1977, Aktion Plagiarius has been awarding the satirical “Plagiarius Award” to raise awareness of counterfeiting and its harmful effects on innovation and creativity. With its infamous trophy (a black dwarf with a golden nose) the initiative exposes copycats, encourages rights holders to defend their assets, and reminds industry and consumers of the value of genuine innovation.