Provision of patent agent services regarding current and future euro banknotes, specifically dedicated to banknote research and development activities and to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) matters related to euro banknotes, the process of euro banknote development, euro authentication devices, euro banknote sorting and handling devices and all matters in the life cycle of euro banknotes. The tasks shall comprise: conducting preliminary IPR risks assessments for new technologies and freedom to operate (FTO) analyses for security features and design elements of banknotes; providing legal guidance and representing the ECB in cases of patent opposition claims and procedures; advising on IPR related issues for new banknotes; drafting, preparing and submitting patent applications and registrations; watching critical patents for existing and newly developed technology and managing patent renewals, annual patent review and annual fees to patent offices.

Please see Section II.1.4).