We, at TMC, are expanding our services with a new specialised team focused on intellectual property (IP) and patents. This team assists startups and scaleups across Europe in better protecting their technological innovations with a new approach, increasing company value. This team of high-tech engineers, trained as IP specialists, possesses in-depth knowledge across various disciplines, including nanotechnology, (micro-)electronics, medical technology, and mechanical engineering. Led by Senior Physics R&D Engineer and IP Consultant Adonis Reyes, the team supports companies with a comprehensive strategic approach to IP, process management, and ongoing optimization of intellectual property.
Startups and scale-ups are increasingly under pressure to strategically manage their intellectual property. The rapid rise of AI has blurred the lines between IP and data-driven innovations, making plagiarism easier than ever. Companies with patented technology are more attractive to investors and are typically valued higher. Additionally, a patent provides protection against competitors and potential market entrants.
Where traditional patenting companies usually focus mostly on the legal side of the patenting process and tend to solely protect a company’s core technology and its obvious application, our IP engineers take it one step further. Any and all applications of a certain technology that is eligible for patent protection, is explored for- and included in protection. This means we will continue collaborating with the companies, providing support in exploring new applications, rather than solely legal process management.
Our specialised team helps companies establish a strategy for securing new innovations and manages the entire patenting process - from application to post-acquisition protection. Our IP advisors first assess whether a particular technology or invention qualifies for a patent (invention disclosure). This provides startups with immediate insights into the patentability of their innovations. By conducting a rigorous selection process, we ensures that only innovations likely to qualify for patents enter the patent process, allowing startups and scale-ups to save significantly on costs. Our advisors, who possess deep knowledge of specialised technologies, bridge the gap between engineers and patent attorneys by translating complex technical aspects into accessible language for legal professionals. Even when rejected a patent by the European Patent Office or a similar body, the analytical report that is provided will help starting companies understand how to improve their technology and gain a better understanding of the competition in the market.
Reyes, who holds a PhD in laser technology for medical application, notes: “Despite the benefits, many young companies hesitate to actively seek ways to protect their IP, largely due to doubts about whether their idea is unique enough for a patent and the associated costs. TMC aims to change this by simplifying the process and reducing both risks and costs.”
The new team also assists companies in applying for public funds from organisations like the European Innovation Council (EIC) and NWO. These applications are complex and time-consuming, so many young companies cannot afford the time and knowledge investment required. Yet the support from the EIC includes grants of up to € 2.5mn and investments up to € 10mn. We act as a liaison between startups and scale-ups seeking funding and the granting organisations, gathering all the necessary information for a successful application. The team has already successfully secured funding from the EIC for a startup company that wishes to remain anonymous.
We have already proven our expertise in successful IP projects, including with the Belgian startup Spectricity, which developed the first hyperspectral camera. We supported the search for public funding and the entire patenting process. By demonstrating that the technology was patented, the startup received a large additional investment in 2021 and 2022. Spectricity’s intellectual property is now protected by numerous U.S. and international patents, and we are working on ongoing applications for over 75 inventions as well as licences for underlying core technology.
Manufacturing companies are under growing pressure to use raw materials more efficiently, reduce waste and comply with increasingly complex regulations. At the same time, many small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle with the question: where do we start?
We are proud to announce that we have signed an agreement to acquire engineering and consultancy specialist WEB. This acquisition is a major step for both companies and an important milestone in our international growth.
Last autumn, we strengthened our presence in Sweden through the acquisition of Level21 in Västerås. Today, we take the next step with the opening of a dedicated office in the city, expanding our footprint in one of Sweden’s most technology-intensive regions.
Technology consulting company TMC has acquired (embedded) software specialist Sioux Technologies NV, the Belgian entity of high-tech solutions provider Sioux Technologies, headquartered in Eindhoven. Over the past 25 years, the specialist has built a strong reputation and supports customers such as Atlas Copco, Antwerp Space, and Synamedia with complex software challenges. The acquisition strengthens TMC’s software expertise and its position in the Belgian market.
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