Part 1 – Consortium agreement, background & “normal” IP work (Episode 201)

In Part 1, we focus on the IP work you should do before anything goes wrong. We look at the consortium agreement as the real operating manual, how to make Attachment 1 (background) specific and transparent (including restrictions), and how access rights work for both implementation and exploitation. We also dig into everyday issues: timing patents vs publications, defining “active contribution” when several partners co-create results, and the role of an IP manager in documenting contributions and expectations as the project evolves.

We round off with typical flashpoints and how to avoid them: unclear background licensing, partners leaving or even going bankrupt, joint ownership without a plan, and disputes that escalate to mediation or arbitration. The message is clear: run regular IP check-ins, log contributions, assess novelty and commercial potential before fighting, and negotiate post-project access under fair and reasonable conditions early.

Time codes (part 1):

00:01:41 Introduction

00:03:21 Fly in

00:05:48 The starting point: Consortium Agreement

00:19:39 IP in real-life-implementation

00:28:15 Conflict points and case examples

Part 2 – Conflicts, AI & damage control (Episode 202)

In Part 2, we stay with IP – but shift to what happens when reality doesn’t match the grant. We look at ownership claims, blocking patents and results that no one really planned for, and ask what “damage control” looks like in real projects. We also tackle AI-generated outputs and prompts: when (and how) can you claim ownership, and how can a consortium recognise those claims fairly as law and practice evolve?

From there we move into concrete tools for coordinators and partners: using lab notebooks, photos and minutes as ownership evidence; bringing in neutral IP support and the EU IPR Helpdesk for SMEs; and putting business models on the table before sprinting to the patent office. We discuss licensing and partnerships when existing patents block you, and how to distinguish “must-protect” results from nice-to-have IP so you don’t waste energy on battles that lead nowhere.

Time codes (part 2):

00:01:49 Damage control and good practices

00:14:12 Lessons learned and recommendations

00:22:26 The toughest challenge