The LETSGROW Hybrid Training on Intellectual Property Rights was a highly successful three-day intensive program hosted by the University of Alicante in Spain. Tailored for academic and non-academic staff, researchers, and doctoral students, the training focused on demystifying intellectual property rights (IPRs) and exploring their strategic role in bringing innovations to market—particularly within the agri-food sector.
| Feature | Details |
| Dates | June 29 – July 1 |
| Format | Hybrid (On-site at the University of Alicante & online via MS Teams) |
| Primary Lecturer | Robert Pocklington Vicente (Senior IP Expert & Stakeholders Manager, Latin America IP SME Helpdesk) |
| Key Focus | Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) and their strategic application in the agri-food sector |
Daily Program Highlights
Day 1: Fundamentals of IPR
An introduction to different types of IPR, enforcement, and their role in research and innovation. It featured practical, sector-specific examples such as Geographical Indications for wine, spirits, and agricultural products in the EU.
Day 2: Management of IPR
Focused on leveraging IPRs as strategic business assets and managing internal organizational mechanisms. This session highlighted real-world strategies, using Nestlé as a core case study.
Day 3: Plant Variety Protection
A hands-on, practical case study on vegetable variety protection in the agro-food industry, exploring key information sources and practical resources for future research.
Participant Impact & Testimonials
Feedback from attendees, including international participants from the University of Primorska Lenart Tušar and Nikola Lončar, highlighted the immense value of the program. Even for those operating outside the agri-food sector, the concepts taught were highly transferable to other academic and professional domains.
Key takeaways from participant experiences included:
Deepened Knowledge: A much clearer understanding of patents, trademarks, and the journey from an idea to practical market application.
Networking & Collaboration: Excellent opportunities to forge international friendships and build institutional connections.
Ecosystem Insights: An exclusive visit to the University of Alicante’s Scientific Park, hosted by director Esteban Pelayo, which showcased thriving academic-industry collaboration and opened doors for future inter-university partnerships.
‘The programme proved to be an exceptionally valuable experience… these encounters reminded us how meaningful international collaboration can be when people with diverse backgrounds come together around a common goal’.
