The primary aim of the renewed collaboration between the Hungarian Intellectual Property Office (HIPO) and HUN-REN (Hungarian Research Network) is to enhance the effective protection and utilisation of intellectual works arising from R&D activities. The formal agreements were signed on 16 April by the presidents of the two organisations, Szabolcs Farkas and Balázs Gulyás. They also committed to mutual support in disseminating knowledge related to intellectual property (IP) protection, with a special focus on the intellectual works developed at HUN-REN research sites and their value-based utilisation.
As part of the agreement, HIPO undertakes to disseminate knowledge about IP protection for researchers through various professional consultations and seminars, as well as to provide expert support to HUN-REN in developing and implementing its IP protection and utilisation strategy.
“In addition to benefiting HUN-REN, the agreement signed also benefits the entire RDI ecosystem, building effectively on the experiences of recent years and strengthening the collaboration between the two institutions. It is crucial to make researchers aware that alongside their scientific activities aimed at publication, there are numerous other innovative paths worth pursuing: a wealth of patents and protections are available for the utilisation of results. These innovative pathways all contribute to creating value for society and are essential for improving the Hungarian RDI ecosystem,” emphasized Balázs Gulyás, President of HUN-REN.
"Our common goal is to strengthen Hungarian innovation potential by supporting the recognition of intellectual work and the protection of values created during R&D activities, facilitating their utilisation, and raising awareness within the research community about IP protection," said Szabolcs Farkas, President of HIPO.
The agreement also extends to joint communication activities, such as occasional joint appearances at innovation events, along with judging and mentoring at incubation and acceleration programmes and competitions. Additionally, HIPO and HUN-REN will assist each other in other innovation programmes and in developing professional methodologies.
The parties are confident that their collaboration will further encourage the creation and utilisation of innovations, thereby advancing the development of Hungarian science, which significantly impacts social and economic development as well. Additionally, it contributes to equipping researchers with the appropriate legal and economic knowledge in the field of IP rights.