The IGIR/IPKM expert lecture series at Maastricht University brings together experts from academia and practice to discuss current developments in intellectual property, innovation and business. Two upcoming lectures explore how intellectual property can be used strategically, both as a source of finance and as a means of creating business value.

19 november: IP-Backed Finance and Innovation: Opportunities and Challenges
Kiril Velitchkov explores how patents, trademarks, software and other intangible assets can facilitate access to finance, particularly for SMEs and asset-light businesses. He will discuss obstacles to treating IP as a bankable asset, including valuation uncertainty and legal and regulatory constraints, as well as solutions such as IP valuation, credit guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms.

26 november: IP-Leverage
Patent attorney and strategic IP advisor Loek Steffanie of Novacon IP discusses how patents and trade secrets can be managed where technology, law and business strategy converge. Drawing on more than 25 years of in-house IP experience, he will examine how companies can structure and combine intellectual property rights to protect innovation, create value and maximise business impact.