The journey from an initial concept to the commercialization of a new product requires not only innovation but also the timely legal protection of what represents the most valuable asset in modern business: intellectual property. With the aim of raising awareness about these key processes, the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro (STP MNE) yesterday hosted a workshop titled “From Idea to Ownership – Learn to Recognize Your Intellectual Property,” organized in cooperation with the law firm Jovović, Mugoša & Vuković (JMV).

The event was opened by the Executive Director of STP MNE, Valentina Radulović, MSc, highlighting the role of STP MNE as a central meeting point for creative individuals, entrepreneurs, and experts, with the mission of providing continuous support to projects in all stages of development, from the idea itself to stable market placement.

The educational segment was led by representatives of the JMV law firm: attorney Bojana Nikčević; advisor and former judge of the Appellate Court of Montenegro, Dijana Raičković; and legal trainees Anja Tičić and Ajla Čekić. Through the analysis of real-world case studies, the lecturers explained how an authentic idea, innovative design, melody, or trademark can be legally identified, properly evaluated, and protected. During the presentation, special emphasis was placed on the importance of regulating legal relations in the earliest stages of startup development, specifying that clearly defining the rights and obligations among founders is a fundamental prerequisite for long-term business sustainability and attracting future investors.

The event was realized with the support of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) and the PATLIB Center within STP MNE, which actively works on connecting scientific research, the economy, and the knowledge commercialization process. In the final part of the workshop, the Director of the Technology Transfer Office, Srna Sudar, presented the work and capabilities of the PATLIB Center “IP4Innovation.” As part of an international network, this center provides innovators and companies with access to patent databases, prior art analysis, and expert support in defining optimal protection strategies.

The presence of students from the Faculty of Law of the University of Montenegro, along with the participation of public and private sector representatives, contributed to a dynamic discussion and examining this topic from various professional perspectives.

The successful realization of the workshop once again confirmed the importance of synergy between the legal profession and the innovation ecosystem. Through the work of the Technology Transfer Office and the PATLIB Center, as well as partnerships with leading industry experts, the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro continues to ensure stable support mechanisms for innovators in recognizing, adequately protecting, and successfully valuing their intellectual capital.