The PATLIB Center has been officially opened at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro

The Science and Technology Park of Montenegro (STP MNE), in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Development and the European Patent Office (EPO), has officially opened the new PATLIB Center “IP4Innovation”. The Center will operate within the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) of STP MNE and will serve as the national hub for providing professional support in the field of intellectual property (IP).

The new PATLIB Center will serve as a place where researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators can receive specialized IP services, training, and advisory support. Its mission is to strengthen Montenegro’s innovation ecosystem by making IP information more accessible, enhancing the strategic use of IP rights, and facilitating the commercialization of research results.

The one-day opening program gathered representatives of the EPO, the Ministry, academia, startups, investors, and the broader innovation community. The event combined the official opening ceremony with expert sessions, presentations, and a panel discussion. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about the patent protection process in Montenegro, the role of PATLIB centers in strengthening national IP ecosystems, and the importance of technology transfer through the work of TTO offices.

As part of the opening program, a panel discussion dedicated to the role of intellectual property as a strategic asset featured Saša Ivanović, Head of the Strategic Planning and International Cooperation Department at the Innovation Fund. In his address, he spoke about the impact of intellectual property on investment decisions, emphasizing that well-protected IP assets enhance the credibility of innovation projects, reduce risk for investors, and represent a key element in assessing the growth potential and commercial viability of innovations.

By joining the European network of more than 300 PATLIB centers, “IP4Innovation” now connects Montenegrin innovations with leading European practices, expertise, and modern tools. This strengthens national competitiveness, improves technology transfer, and creates an environment in which ideas can be efficiently protected and commercialized.