The Austrian Patent Office was founded in 1899 and has been the central authority for the protection of intellectual property in Austria for over 125 years. As a subordinate agency of the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure, we offer more than just legal protection for patents, trademarks, and designs. We support inventors and creatives in successfully implementing their ideas — whether through the registration, management, or international alignment of their intellectual property rights.
In addition to granting and registering patents, trademarks, and designs, we also offer consultations, protection analyses, and a wide range of services tailored to the individual needs of our clients. Through workshops, seminars, and regular information events, we share our expertise and help ensure that innovations receive and make the most of the best possible protection.
Stefan Harasek has been President of the Austrian Patent Office since December 1, 2023.
Harasek began his career at the Austrian Patent Office in 2004 as a patent examiner. He established the Strategy Department of the Patent Office and, as its head since 2016, played a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the institution. In 2022, he was appointed Vice President for the field of inventions. Since July 2023, he had already been serving as the acting President of the Austrian Patent Office.
In addition to his work for the Austrian Patent Office, he served as a technical expert member of the former Supreme Patent and Trademark Senate and as a lay judge with technical expertise in patent matters at the Supreme Court of Austria.
A central focus of his work is to connect the official functions of the Austrian Patent Office with service and information offerings, in order to best meet the needs of innovators and the public.