Intellectual property is often perceived as a complex field, best left to specialists. Yet a company that understands and actively manages its IP can turn it into a powerful driver of value creation, competitiveness and innovation. This is the conviction that has guided P&TS for nearly three decades — and it is precisely the goal of the Applied IP Masterclass, a new intensive training programme co-organised with the Swiss Foundation for Research in Microtechnology (FSRM).
Practical Training for Real-World Challenges
The Applied IP Masterclass is not just another theoretical course. It has been designed to help participants understand, structure and deploy an intellectual property strategy tailored directly to the reality of their business. Each module alternates between presentations, interactive discussions and real-life case studies, led by recognised specialists in the field.
This programme is aimed at IP, innovation and R&D managers, business owners, executives and senior managers in SMEs or large corporations, as well as lawyers, engineers, researchers and academics looking to strengthen their practical skills in intellectual property.
A Programme Structured Over Five Half-Days
The training consists of four half-day modules followed by a final session.
Module 1 — IP in Business and Patents How to use intellectual property to create value, develop an IP action plan, and an introduction to patents.
Module 2 — Other IP Rights and Searches Trademarks, designs, copyright, trade secrets and IP search methods.
Module 3 — IP Portfolio Strategy and Management Filing strategies, cost management and tools for managing an IP portfolio. This module includes a sector-specific approach: participants are divided into groups according to their field of activity — Software and AI, Chemistry and Biotechnology, or Horology and Mechanics — to explore the specificities of their sector through a case study.
Module 4 — Contracts and Tax Aspects of Innovation Ownership, IP contracts (assignment, licence, development, confidentiality, open-source licences) and tax aspects related to innovation and the valuation of intangible assets.
Final Session — Presentations and Award Ceremony Each participant presents a personal project related to their business, followed by a group discussion and feedback session. The programme concludes with the award of diplomas to participants who have completed all modules.
Please note: between Module 4 and the final session, each participant may benefit from a free one-hour consultation on a topic of their choice.
The Speakers
The programme is led by experts from P&TS: Maria Maina, lead instructor, Christophe Saam, founder and CEO of P&TS, and Daniel Kraus, Attorney at Law, LL.M. (King’s College London). External speakers will also contribute their specific expertise to selected modules.
Practical Information
| Language | French |
| Dates | 4 September – 1 October 2026 |
| Location | Neuchâtel (FSRM and P&TS) |
| Format | 5 half-days |
| Award | Diploma |
Detailed Schedule:
- Module 1 (with prior lunch): Friday 4 September, 11:30 – 17:00
- Module 2: Tuesday 8 September, 13:00 – 17:00
- Module 3: Tuesday 15 September, 13:00 – 17:00
- Module 4: Tuesday 22 September, 13:00 – 17:00
- Final session (with closing lunch): Thursday 1 October, 09:00 – 14:00
An early-bird preferential rate is available until 21 August 2026. For details and registration, visit the course page.
The Applied IP Masterclass is organised by the FSRM in partnership with P&TS.
