Rocket & Bembel - Patent for Investors?

We are inviting our ESA BIC startups to our next Rocket & Bembel that will cover strategical questions whether – and how – patents can really increase your chances with investors.

Our special guests, Dr. Oliver Hartkorn and Dr. Maximilian Knaus, are partners and patent attorneys at WSL Patentanwälte – a law firm with over 75 years of experience advising national and international clients across all areas of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, and design rights.

Oliver brings deep expertise in technical fields such as software, data processing, control engineering, optics and space technology. He understands the delicate balance founders face between protecting their innovation and deciding if and where patenting truly adds value.

Maximilian, with a background as a founder himself, offers an individual perspective on IP strategy. He will share insights from his own experience as a founder and from his investor network, focusing on how startups can shape their IP to attract funding. His expertise include patent drafting, prosecution, and strategic IP guidance tailored specifically to emerging tech companies.

What we will discuss:

• How do I make a sound risk-benefit decision on IP
  What should I disclose? What do I gain? How relevant is IP depending on the type of project?
  
  
• What do investors like business angels and VCs actually look for
  Which types of IP really matter for your target audience?
  
  
• How do I position myself strategically against competitors
  IP as a competitive edge and protection strategy
  
  
• Develop your IP strategy using a decision tree and self-assessment tool
  To bring more clarity and direction to your next steps
  
  

This workshop will include an interactive Q&A session where you can share your experience and ask our experts for feedback on your practices/strategies.

The event in a nutshell:

What? 120 minutes of insights incl. Q & A session  

For those of you that do not know our ESA BIC community event yet: Rocket & Bembel is our new bi-monthly event series with the aim of staying in contact with all of you, giving you the opportunity to network amongst each other, and supporting you with expert insights into various topics! 

When? 15 May 2025, at 16h + open networking from 18h onwards

Where? TIZ, Robert-Bosch-Str. 7, 64293 Darmstadt – conference room 1, behind the cafeteria