Case study: BBIE

This project involved the development of a web application that allows individuals or companies to submit their electronic ideas with an official registration entity, the Benelux Organisation for Intellectual Property. We were asked to create the application using the customers preferred technology, IBM Portal Server. This resulted in the development of number of Java based portlets. These portlets provide specific functionality within the application. The process of submitting an electronic idea consists of creating an account and submitting, or uploading your information.

The application will now create an electronic enveloppe in PDF format and embed your content. This PDF is then sealed with a digital signature from BOIP. This signature will guarantee the integrity of the content and the authenticity of the origin during the archiving period.

The application uses BlueRidge for the creation of electronic signatures.

Technology

IBM Websphere, IBM Portal Server, Java, JSF 

A first step in your innovation process

The i-DEPOT can serve as evidence in the event of a conflict. This means the i-DEPOT can be an important first step in your innovation process, for example in the preliminary phase of an application for a trademark, design or patent. In the course of the research and development process, moreover, the i-DEPOT serves as a convenient tool to help you secure your position. For example, combined with a confidentiality agreement the i-DEPOT offers the space you need to be able to negotiate freely with interested parties about financing and production methods for your invention.

In other words: the i-DEPOT allows you to give free rein to your creativity.

Submitting an i-DEPOT at an early stage of your innovation process provides you with a tool that will help prevent somebody else from making off with your idea. In the event of a dispute, the i-DEPOT is a fully reliable tool that allows you to prove that a certain idea, concept or process already existed on a specific day. The BOIP will register your name and the date on which you submitted your creation. You can use the i-DEPOT to register a variety of items, including:

• an idea
• a concept
• a format
• an agreement
• a document
• a prototype
• an invention
• a process
• a design
• software
• a photograph
• a scale model
• a melody
• a drawing
• a slogan, etc.
  
  

The i-DEPOT: cheap and reliable

The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property will observe secrecy with regard to your i-DEPOT and the fact that you hold it. This enables you to take your time and elaborate your idea when it suits you best. The price of the i-DEPOT can’t possibly be an objection, so there is every reason to turn registering your ideas from a good intention into a good habit.