Ingolstadt Patentday 2026

Ingolstadt Patentday 2026

Why IP Management Is Becoming Strategic Again

‍

The 2026 Ingolstadt Patent Day at the Technical University of Ingolstadt sent a clear signal: IP is back on the strategic agenda.

Under the central theme “Global IP and Patent Protection in Companies,” it became evident that the environment for innovation-driven businesses has fundamentally changed.

Technological transformation, geopolitical uncertainties, and increasing competitive pressure are driving a shift in how intellectual property is perceived. IP rights are once again being treated as a strategic instrument — not merely an administrative task.

‍

Patent Filings Are Rising – What Does This Mean for Companies?

A key message was delivered at the very beginning of the event:
The President of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office announced that patent filing numbers increased again in 2025.

This is more than just a statistic.
It is an indicator of growing innovation momentum — and expanding patent portfolios.

However, as the number of IP rights increases, so do:

• Complexity
• Coordination requirements
• Cost risks
• Strategic dependencies

A recurring theme throughout the Patent Day became clear: IP management is becoming a leadership responsibility.

‍

SMEs: Strategic Potential Is Not Yet Fully Leveraged

Several discussions highlighted that small and medium-sized enterprises often possess strong technological solutions — yet lack structured patent management.

Typical challenges include:

• Limited transparency within the patent portfolio
• Deadline tracking across decentralized systems
• Insufficient strategic evaluation of individual IP rights
• Lack of clear cost-benefit analysis

The result: IP remains operational rather than strategic.

The message of the day was unmistakable:
Anyone who takes innovation seriously needs structured IP management.

‍

AI in Patent Management: Reality, Not a Future Vision

Another major focus was the integration of artificial intelligence into IP processes.

AI is already being used today for:

• Supporting patent searches
• Analyzing patent landscapes
• Monitoring competitors
• Prioritizing IP rights

However, the decisive factor is not the mere use of AI.
What truly matters is its integration into structured processes.

Several speakers emphasized: Without a centralized and transparent data foundation, AI does not generate strategic value.

‍

What Does This Mean for Patent Management Software?

The Ingolstadt Patent Day conveyed an indirect but clear message:

Patent management becomes strategic when transparency, structure, and data accessibility are ensured.

In practical terms, this means:

• Centralized portfolio overview
• Reliable deadline management
• Management reporting capabilities
• Data-driven decision-making
• Integration of AI-powered analytics

Companies that manage IP in a structured way, make data-driven decisions, and integrate AI effectively will operate faster, more resiliently, and with greater strategic clarity.

Patent management software is therefore no longer just an administrative tool.
It becomes the infrastructure for strategic IP decisions.

For technology-driven companies and mid-sized businesses in particular, this is becoming increasingly critical.

‍

Why Personal Exchange Remains Essential for Developing IP Solutions

Beyond the technical insights, the Patent Day once again demonstrated something fundamental:

Digital systems are essential — but direct exchange remains indispensable.

In conversations with:

• IP managers
• Patent attorneys
• R&D leaders
• Managing directors

The real challenges become visible:

• Lack of portfolio transparency
• Growing portfolio complexity
• Increasing reporting pressure
• Uncertainty regarding strategic renewal decisions

This feedback is crucial for the continued development of modern patent management software.

‍

Conclusion: IP Is Being Thought of Strategically Again

What remains from the Ingolstadt Patent Day 2026?

A clear picture:

IP is not a cost block.
IP is a strategic asset.

Companies that manage their patent portfolios in a structured way gain:

• Transparency
• Operational certainty
• Higher decision quality
• Competitive strength

The Patent Day made it clear where the industry is heading.

The question is no longer whether IP needs to be managed strategically — but how quickly companies adapt their structures accordingly.

We look forward to continued exchange — and to the Ingolstadt Patent Day 2027.

‍

‍

‍