On 24 June 2025, IP Day took place for the second time at OTH Regensburg - this time organised by GründungsHUB Ostbayern, the joint project of the East Bavarian universities to promote start-ups at universities. The aim of the event was to sensitise founders, researchers and other interested parties to the strategic handling of intellectual property (IP).
With a practical programme, diverse impulses and well-founded perspectives from experts, IP Day 2025 offered up-to-date insights into the world of intellectual property rights and space for professional exchange with lively discussions. The thematic framework was provided by four expert presentations that shed light on the topic of IP from very different perspectives:
Prof. Dr Christian Stauf (OTH Amberg-Weiden) showed in his presentation how patents, trademarks, designs and copyrights can be used in a targeted manner to secure innovations, protect business models and create competitive advantages. For start-ups in particular, this is essential in order to minimise risks and fully exploit opportunities, according to the motto: ‘IP rights have power.’
Start-ups need a well thought-out IP strategy
Prof. Dr Sevim Süzeroglu-Melchiors (OTH Regensburg) emphasised the importance of intellectual property as a strategic asset. She made it clear that IP can be relevant in very different ways depending on the industry and business model - but for start-ups in particular, a well thought-out IP strategy is a decisive factor for sustainable growth and a clear positioning on the market.
Patent attorney Dr Malte Köllner addressed the question of what role AI plays in the invention process. In his presentation, he showed that while AI can provide creative impetus, the legal responsibility remains with humans. ‘Anyone who only executes orders is not an inventor’ - with this quote, he made it clear that the inventor in the sense of patent law must be a natural person, for example.
Well prepared for success
Peter Erdödy, CEO of Octimine, used a live search to demonstrate how important early freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses are for start-ups and companies. Search software such as Octimine facilitates access to the complex patent landscape and helps to recognise potential risks at an early stage. His message: ‘Action plan to ship safely’ - being prepared saves time, resources and protects your business model.
At the subsequent get-together, the participants took the opportunity to exchange ideas, make contacts and discuss specific issues in greater depth. OTH Regensburg would like to thank all speakers and guests for their great interest and open dialogue.
