Officials from the Hellenic Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) and the European Patent Office – EPO participated in an informational workshop held in Heraklion on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the University of Crete, titled: “Protection of Industrial Property and Commercial Exploitation. Innovation Agency, OBI.”
The event was organized by OBI and the Innovation Agency, in collaboration with the Innovation and Knowledge Transfer Unit “Metis” of the University of Crete, with the substantial participation of the European Patent Office (EPO).
The purpose of the workshop was to inform the research and academic community of Crete about the methods and procedures for protecting industrial property, as well as the prospects for utilizing research results for the benefit of society and the economy.
The event was opened by Professor Michail Pavlidis, President of the “Metis” Unit, who presented the Unit’s work and services, highlighting its role in the journey from a scientific idea to applied innovation.
This was followed by a speech from Ms. Uioulli Papapostolou, Director of Technological Information and Head of the Innovation Agency at OBI, who highlighted the institutional role of the Organisation in promoting technological knowledge and strengthening innovation in the country.
The European Patent Office made a significant contribution, with Mr. Georgios Lazaridis, business and economic analyst in the Chief Business Analyst department of the EPO, presenting the importance of patents for the development of startups and the strengthening of the European innovation ecosystem.
As part of the workshop, Mr. Loudovikos Vanerk, Head of the Informatic and Telecommunication Department of OBI, and Ms. Christina Andrikopoulou, chemist and examiner at OBI, presented practical examples regarding the importance of proper drafting and completeness of patent applications, particularly in the fields of software, Artificial Intelligence, Biology, Chemistry, and Medicine.
Dr. Giorgos Asimopoulos, chemist and collaborator of the OBI Regional Office in Thessaloniki, analyzed the possibilities of utilizing open-access databases to obtain technological information.
The workshop was moderated by Ms. Vivian Makri, Head of the Technological Information Directorate, and member of the OBI Communications Department.
