Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure (BMIMI)
As the superordinate authority and a close partner of the Austrian Patent Office, the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure plays a central role in making Austria a hub for innovation. Together, we strengthen the protection and promotion of your intellectual property.
Professional representatives
We also collaborate with international institutions and organizations. This close coordination is crucial for harmonizing procedures and continuously improving the quality of our services. Have a look at our International Cooperation Partners.
Upcoming events from our partners
Our Partners throughout Austria and the services they offer
Throughout Austria
aws is the promotional bank of the Austrian federal government, which supports business start-ups, innovations, and investments through financing and grants. The aws Innovation Protection program supports the development and implementation of a company-specific innovation protection strategy through a combination of coaching and grants.
Together with aws, we at discover.IP advise companies on all matters related to intellectual property.
Austrian Standards develops and publishes Austrian standards for products, services, and processes.
The FAMA represents all commercial members of the film and music sectors. It offers a comprehensive range of services, information, and networking opportunities.
The OIAT conducts practice-oriented research and development in telecommunications and information technologies.
The IPAG provides guidelines and support for the contractual regulation of intellectual property.
Creative Industries Austria supports creative enterprises and promotes the economic development of creative enterprises and creative projects in Austria.
The creative industries handbook “Die Marke der Kreativen” offers practical information and explanations on dealing with copyright, trademarks, and related topics, tailored specifically for the creative industries.
Through targeted measures, the NCP-IP supports universities and public research institutions in the professional management of intellectual property rights.
Network IP Austria connects patent engineers in the industry and facilitates professional exchange on the protection of intellectual property.
The Austrian Research Promotion Agency supports research, development, and innovation in companies and universities.
Together with the FFG, the Austrian Patent Office supports the protection of inventions through the Patent.Voucher program.
The FFG offers a wide range of funding instruments for financial support. These instruments help companies and research institutions develop ideas and implement them successfully.
The “General Programme” provides up to 50% of funding for projects with commercialization potential. There are no restrictions on technology fields, research topics, or the size of the company or project.
The FFG Academy offers you information, training, and experience sharing from project initiation to project completion. You’ll receive a compact overview, relevant detailed knowledge, and practical tips to support you on your way to a successful project.
The Austrian Research Promotion Agency also advises you on European and international funding programs.
The OPEV supports inventors with the patenting, marketing, and legal protection of their ideas.
The VAP protects the copyrights of film and video producers against piracy and unauthorized use.
The Austrian Economic Chambers support businesses with consulting, grants, financing, start-up advice, and patent consultation hours.
The Data Certification Blockchain Service helps certify data digitally in a simple, secure, and free manner. This allows creators to prove the priority date of their works.
The FWF supports basic scientific research across all disciplines through project funding and grants.
The Independent Publications program the provides financial support for the publication of scientific works to make them accessible to a wider audience.
The Austrian Patent Office is a PatLib center
PATent LIBrary (PatLib) centers are regional information hubs for intellectual property. Working closely with the Austrian Patent Office and other network partners, they support local innovators with in-depth expertise and personalized advice.
Here you will find the criteria for the Austrian Patent Office’s collaboration with regional partners (available in German only).
Burgenland
The Business Agency Burgenland promotes the economic development of the region and encourages businesses to set up there.
During a free initial consultation, you can learn more about the possibilities for applying intellectual property rights to your innovation project and receive information on suitable funding opportunities.
Carinthia
The Economic Chamber of Carinthia supports Carinthian companies with services, funding, consulting, and advocacy.
At the monthly free patent consultation days, you can receive information and guidance from experts and assistance with filing a patent application.
Free Initial Consultation on industrial property rights: the requirements and costs of industrial property rights will be explained to you in an individual consultation. You will also receive information on potential funding opportunities.
In Carinthia, the Economic Promotion Fund supports companies with innovation and business development.
Some patent costs (such as patent attorney fees and application fees) may be claimed under funding projects.
Lower Austria
tecnet equity supports start-ups and technology companies in Lower Austria through consulting, networking, and equity investment.
The Innovation Service of the Economic Chamber of Lower Austria supports companies in Lower Austria with technology projects, innovation, and patent matters.
At the idea and patent consultation days in Mödling and St. Pölten, you can get specific advice on patents, trademark law, design protection, and copyright in connection with your idea or your company.
The Economic Chamber of Lower Austria is one of the PatLib centers.
Upper Austria
Business Upper Austria supports Upper Austrian companies with innovation, growth, and internationalization.
At the patent consultation day for companies, experts offer individual consultations where they identify whether a development is patentable, discuss the legal protection options available, and conduct an initial patent search.
The Economic Chamber of Lower Austria is one of the PatLib centers.
The Innovation Service advises Upper Austrian companies on innovation, funding, and patent matters.
At the patent consultation days, you can get information from experts on all aspects of intellectual property protection.
Salzburg
Innovation Salzburg supports companies with innovation, technology development, and business growth.
At the consultation days, you can discuss important questions related to trademarks, designs, patents, and utility models with experts, and obtain information on relevant funding opportunities.
Innovation Salzburg is one of the PatLib centers in Austria.
Styria
The SFG promotes innovation, business start-ups, and investment in Styria.
Through its “Ideen-Reich” funding program, the Styrian Business Promotion Agency supports SMEs by covering up to 50% of the costs associated with intellectual property protection.
General questions regarding industrial property rights can be discussed and clarified in an initial personal consultation. Entrepreneurs and researchers can obtain information from the SFG about the options available to them for commercializing their innovations and inventions internationally.
Tyrol
The Tyrol Economic Chamber offers Tyrolean companies advice, funding, legal assistance, and networking opportunities.
The Tyrol Economic Chamber is a PatLib Center.
Standortagentur Tirol supports companies with their growth initiatives and drives innovation.
In a free initial consultation, you’ll get concise information on requirements, costs, deadlines, and national and international filing strategies. A free preliminary search regarding your patent project can also be conducted upon request.
Vorarlberg
WISTO promotes the economic development of Vorarlberg and its attractiveness as a business location.
Offering free intellectual property advice and patent searches, WISTO provides information on protecting innovations and business ideas.
Through its start-up support program, WISTO assists founders with innovative ideas in the technology and creative industries. This support includes advice and coaching on topics such as idea evaluation, initial analysis, business plan development, grant and financing strategies, and network building.
The funding advice service assists with identifying and securing funding at province, national, and EU levels for innovation projects.
At the monthly free patent consultation days, you can get information from experts on all aspects of intellectual property protection.
WISTO is one of the PatLib centers.
Vienna
The Vienna Business Agency supports Viennese companies with starting up businesses, innovation, business location promotion, and internationalization.
Free consultation on intellectual property protection in connection with the development of innovative projects, products, and services.
You can get information on tailored funding opportunities in a consultation.
The Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry represents the interests of Viennese businesses and offers consulting, services, and funding.
At the monthly free patent consultation days, you can receive information and guidance from experts and assistance with the patent application process.
INiTS helps university startups in Vienna with starting up businesses, financing, and market development.
The START:IP program brings together technology providers and those seeking technology to jointly develop exciting business ideas and innovative products.