Introduction
Great inventions rarely reach the market on their own. Turning an idea into real impact demands IP understanding, legal precision and commercial sense, and the Advanced Course IP, Law & Technology Transfer brings the three together over two focused days. Day one builds your foundation in IP understanding and legal precision; day two connects that legal groundwork to the business and entrepreneurial side of bringing an invention to market. Whether you work in a TTO, as an IP-attorney, in a law firm, or for an investment fund or in a boardroom, you will leave with sharper tools, tacit knowledge and a stronger network. Reserve your place and help bring more EU- and NL- inventions to impact.
Practical information
- Start date
- Thursday 3 Dec 2026
- Duration
- 2 days
- Price
- €1695
- Area of interest
- Legal
- Micro Credential
- Yes
- Teaching mode
- In-person
Who is this for?
At the intersection of Invention to Impact, or translating an idea into a market proposition, a wide range of professional activities must be coordinated and executed. These responsibilities fall within the mandate of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). Understanding the fundamentals of IP, legal principles and the process of obtaining and protecting patent rights, strengthens both organizations and innovations, making propositions more robust, compliant and valuable.
However, IP-protection and legal security are only one part of the journey. Financing, business planning, negotiation and commercialization are equally critical in transforming a protected invention into a successful venture. This two-day course follows that journey: day one focuses on the legal and intellectual property foundations of technology transfer, while day two explores the business and entrepreneurial dimensions of bringing innovations to market.
TTOs operate in a complex environment shaped by stakeholders with often competing priorities. Scientists, investors, patent attorneys, IP lawyers, venture builders and board members all play an essential role in the innovation ecosystem, yet their objectives do not always align.
These dynamics make Technology Transfer a multidisciplinary profession. This course offers fresh perspectives on that complexity and invites participants to discuss how priorities, processes and activities can be better aligned to bring more European and Dutch inventions to societal and economic impact.
Who will benefit from this Advanced Course?
This Advanced Course will elaborate on the cross-sections between several mono-disciplines that do not naturally work closely together. In the context of Technology Transfer these cross-sectional collaborations are crucial to make (or break) an invention to impact.
Innovation Managers, IP Lawyers, Patent Attorneys, Investment Managers, Public Policymakers, Board Members, TTO-Professionals will all benefit from a better understanding of Technology Transfer and each other’s position.
Together we bring more inventions to valuable impact.
Teaching Methods
The Advanced Course consists of frontal teaching, interactive sessions and engaging activities based on case studies and dilemmas.
At the end of the course, the group will discuss how the learnings can be applied in everyday practice, help technology transfer to prosper, and to bring more Inventions to valuable Impact.
Training Credits
At the end of the course day, participants receive a certificate of attendance, which can be used as proof when applying for training credits—such as PO credits from the Dutch Bar Association.
Programme for now
Day 1: 03 December 2026
| Session | Time | Speaker | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrival & Coffee | 08:30–09:00 | Registration, networking and welcome coffee. | |
| General Introduction | 09:00–09:15 | Tobias Cohen Jehoram | Welcome to the course, introduction of the speakers, objectives and expected learning outcomes. |
| Introduction to IP Regimes & Technology Transfer | 09:15–11:00 | Tobias Cohen Jehoram // Carlos van Staveren | Between Dream and Practice: Tobias and Carlos will give an introduction to European Intellectual Property Rights, the role of IP in innovation, and practical knowledge regarding the protection of intellectual assets. |
| Coffee Break | 11:00–11:15 | ||
| Competition Law – Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation (TTBER) | 11:15–13:00 | Representative of the EUR | Understanding how competition law affects technology transfer, licensing agreements and collaborations between knowledge institutions and industry is in the EU described in the TTBER, the main subject of our Professor R. Repasi as chair of this working group in the EU. He will be represented by one of his esteemed colleagues at the Erasmus School of Law. |
| Lunch | 13:00–14:00 | ||
| IP Strategy and Processes in Technology Transfer | 14:00–15:00 | Representative of EUIPO | Practical approaches to developing an IP strategy including different IP Rights, portfolio management and decision-making throughout the technology transfer lifecycle. |
| Technology Transfer in European Perspective | 15:00–16:15 | Representative of EPO | In a study (to be published in October 2026) EPO Observatory will present an overview of European innovation ecosystems, patent systems and the role of technology transfer in strengthening competitiveness and impact. |
| Coffee Break | 16:15–16:30 | ||
| Crucial Clauses in Contract Law | 16:30–17:30 | Johan Vannerom | Johan will elucidate on key contractual provisions in licensing, collaboration and commercialization agreements, including risk allocation and value protection. |
| Drinks | 17:30–18:30 | Afterwards: Joint Walking Dinner (sign up seperately!) |
Day 2: 04 december 2026
| Session | Time | Speaker | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrival & Coffee | 09:00–09:30 | Networking and welcome coffee. | |
| Financing of Inventions to Impact – Theory and Examples | 09:30–11:00 | Robert Al | Robert will present insights into different financing tools for inventions at different investment readiness levels, and incubation decisions. |
| Coffee Break | 11:00–11:15 | ||
| Negotiation Tactics: Do’s and Don’ts – Theory and Exercises | 11:15-12:00 | Farshida Zafar | Practical negotiation workshop focused on stakeholder alignment, deal-making and communication techniques for innovation leaders. |
| Lunch | 12:00–13:15 | ||
| Business Planning & Commercialization | 13:15-14:15 | Willem Mees van der Bijl
| From his experience, Willem will introduce how to build robust business cases, using market validation strategies and commercialization roadmaps for innovative technologies. |
| IP Law in Practice (LES - Licensing Executing Society) | 14:15-15:15 | Representative of LES(I) | Wouter will share practical insights into patent litigation, IP strategies, and licensing dynamics across international legal frameworks, highlighting real-world applications for technology transfer. |
| Coffee Break | 15:15–15:45 | ||
| Cross-linking IP and Technology Transfer | 15:45–16:45 | Thijs Spigt & Tiem Reijns | How IP strategy, patent protection and technology transfer processes reinforce eachother to maximize impact and value creation. |
| Wrap-up | 16:45–17:30 | Tobias Cohen Jehoram & Thijs Spigt
| Key takeaways, discussion and reflection on lessons learned during the course. |
| Drinks | 17:30–18:30 | Closing networking session. |
Collaborations
EPO & EUIPO
We are proud to collaborate with both the European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), bringing authoritative European expertise directly to the course.
As one of the world's leading institutions in patent protection, the EPO examines and grants European patents, providing inventors and businesses with a central route to patent protection across Europe. Complementing this, the EUIPO serves as the EU agency responsible for managing EU trade marks and registered Community designs, playing a vital role in supporting innovation and protecting intellectual assets across the European Union.
Through these collaborations, the programme benefits from first-hand insights into the European patent system, practical perspectives on IP strategy and portfolio management, and the effective use of intellectual property in innovation and technology transfer.
LES(I)
We are proud to collaborate with the Licensing Executives Society International (LES(I)), a global network supporting business and licensing professionals. Through this partnership, the event incorporates hands-on industry expertise on effectively using, leveraging, and commercialising IP assets in day-to-day practice.
Location
The course will take place at Erasmus University College, located in the beautifully restored former city library at Nieuwemarkt 1A in Rotterdam. This historic landmark combines a rich heritage with a modern academic setting in the heart of the city. The venue is easily accessible and located directly next to Blaak Station.
Start date
Our speakers
- Tobias Cohen JehoramTobias Cohen Jehoram is a partner at De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek and specializes in intellectual property and complex commercial litigation. He has extensive experience in cross-border disputes, patent, trademark and copyright litigation, and proceedings before the Dutch Supreme Court and the European courts. In addition to his litigation practice, he advises clients on IP strategy in complex transactions and is actively involved in the Unified Patent Court (UPC) as a registered representative.
- Carlos van StaverenCarlos van Staveren is a partner in the Intellectual Property practice in Amsterdam, specializing in technology-related matters and patent law. He has extensive experience in complex, multijurisdictional patent litigation before Dutch courts, the EPO and the Unified Patent Court (UPC). Carlos is also a co-author of a leading international handbook on patent protection for second medical uses and teaches patent law at Erasmus University Rotterdam. His work has been recognised by several leading international IP rankings.
- Robert AlRobert Al is Director of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) at Erasmus MC, where he leads initiatives at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge valorization. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in founding spin-off companies, structuring licensing deals, securing investment and government funding, and developing innovation ecosystems. With a background in finance and business development, Robert brings extensive experience in translating scientific research into successful ventures and societal impact.
- Farshida ZafarFarshida Zafar is Executive Director of the Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship (ECE) and the Erasmus Centre for Data Analytics (ECDA) at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Her work focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, data and AI, and on translating scientific and technological developments into real-world value. Through public-private collaborations, knowledge development and ecosystem building, she works at the intersection of science, technology and practice, helping innovations reach markets and society.
- Willem Mees van der BijlWillem Mees van der Bijl is director at Dune Innovation and CEO of Erasmus MC spin-off Spatium Medical. With over 20 years of experience in medical device development, he specializes in translating healthcare challenges and user insights into innovative products and viable businesses. His expertise spans innovation strategy, design methodology, usability engineering and multidisciplinary product development, from early concept to market implementation. Willem is also active as a guest lecturer and mentor at universities and incubators, sharing his experience in healthcare innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Thijs SpigtThroughout virtually his entire career, Thijs has been involved in innovation-related processes and activities, whether in roles within private organizations (pharma and biotech industry) or in the public sector (S&T Counsellor at the Embassy in Berlin, Director TTO Erasmus MC, Director of Netherlands Patent Office). Thijs obtained two postgraduate qualifications relating to the legal and substantive aspects of valorization (CLP and RTTP). With this background he set up Eye to Eye Advice, in order to help organizations turn more inventions into impact.
- Tiem ReijnsTiem Reijns has broad experience as a European patent attorney with a background in chemical engineering and biotechnology. He has extensive experience in patent strategy, IP and innovation, including his previous role as Lead Patent Counsel at Unilever. Tiem is currently Vice President and Dutch Council Member of the Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office (epi), and Chairman of an EQE Examination Committee at the European Patent Office.
Contact
For registrations or additional information
- Email address
- executiveeducation@law.eur.nl
Lisette Smit-Bennemeer
Course Coordinator
- Email address
- smit@law.eur.nl
Facts & Figures
- Start date
- Thursday 3 Dec 2026
- Duration
- 2 days
- Price
- €1695
10% discount for members of affiliated associations
- Tax
- Not applicable
- Micro Credential
- Yes
- Instruction language
- English
- Teaching mode
- In-person
- Location
- Erasmus University College
- Programme provider
- Erasmus School of Law