Entries for the 2009 European Inventor of the Year competition are now being invited by the European Patent Office.  You'll be up against some fairly stiff competition, looking at the winners from 2006-2008.  Winning inventions have ranged from an affordable vaccine against hepatitis B to eco-friendly biodegradable refuse bags to a robotic surgical system.

Entrants must have at least one valid European patent granted before 1 January 2004, and individual inventors, as well as those working for companies, can apply.  There are four categories: industry, SMEs/research, non-European countries, and lifetime achievement.

The closing date for entries is 2 October 2008, and the award ceremony takes place in Prague Castle on 28 April 2009.  Further details can be obtained from the European Patent Office web site at http://www.epo.org/topics/news/2008/20080818.html.

Even if you don't feel that your invention reaches these lofty heights, it may nevertheless be valuable to you or your company.  Contact us for help in obtaining the best possible protection for it.