This e-learning course contains the recordings and materials of the "IP and patents lecture series" that took place in November and December 2022.

Intellectual property and patents are strategic tools to be taken into consideration in business decision-making and strategy. In this nine-part series, specialists from the world of patents and IP introduce important concepts and delve into issues such as patents, trade secrets and due diligence.

The following topics are covered in each individual session:

1. How to read, understand and interpret a patent, presented by D Young & Co LLP
2. Relevant aspects of non-personal data, presented by PONS IP
3. Interpreting patent claims, presented by D Young & Co LLP
4. Typical patent paths – Roadmap of routes to obtain a patent, presented by D Young & Co LLP
5. Trade secrets: the concept and how to manage them, presented by PONS IP
6. What is prior art and how can it be used, presented by D Young & Co LLP
7. Technology transfer agreements, presented by The Lighthouse Team
8. Due diligence and investment – The influence of patents on investor decisions, presented by D Young & Co LLP
9. Shareholders’ agreements in technology-based companies, presented by The Lighthouse Team

To provide attendees with an understanding of the subject of patents and intellectual property, and the impact and influence on their businesses.

The lectures were organised by ESA's Technology Transfer and Patent Office, supported by the SME Initiative, both part of the Agency's Commercialisation department.