From September 18 to 20, 2024, the HEPHAESTUS project’s consortium partners participated in a dynamic workshop held at Stonezone, Hällevadsholm, Sweden. The workshop, attended by researchers, craft makers, artists, and designers, provided an interdisciplinary exchange, focusing on the intersection of artistic craftsmanship, design, and research. Over the course of three days, attendees explored various aspects of stonework, learned about Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), and shared insights on the challenges facing the creative and artistic industries today.
One of the highlights of the event was a visit to a local stone quarry, where participants gained hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the intricate process of working with stone.
Experience and knowledge from FabLab Venezia
In addition to the technical sessions, the workshop featured several engaging presentations, including one from Fablab, which shared their innovative work and the obstacles they face in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital fabrication.
Alberta Menegaldo and Leonidas Paterakis who represent one of the few independent and economically sustainable fablabs in Italy and Europe gave a presentation on how their tech-aided, impact-driven business models have evolved over the years and how technology serves as a key driver for local growth, sustainable communities, and the future of craftsmanship in an inclusive way. During the workshop the participants explored how to merge traditional know-how with innovative digital technologies to empower the local making community.
Intellectual Property Rights Workshop by Vishv Priya Kohli
Vishv Priya Kohli, Associate Professor of Law & Management at Copenhagen Business School, Denmark gave a presentation during Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) session, titled “Know Your Rights – Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights for Craft Makers, Designers, and Artists.”
The IPR workshop aimed to empower craft makers, designers, and artists by providing them with the necessary knowledge to safeguard their creations. Divided into three insightful parts, the workshop equipped participants with the tools to understand and protect their intellectual property effectively.
- Understanding IPRs in the EU: The first part of the workshop introduced participants to the various types of IPRs available in the European Union, including Copyrights, Design Rights, Trademarks, Patents, and Utility Model Protection. Each of these protections plays a significant role in ensuring that creators maintain control over their work and benefit from their intellectual efforts.
- Practical Tools for Protecting Creative Works: The second part adopted a hands-on approach, where participants were guided through practical strategies for protecting their creations. Emphasis was placed on rights that require no formal registration or financial investment, such as copyrights, ensuring that even small-scale creators have the ability to defend their work.
- Case Studies and Common Issues: The final part of the workshop focused on real-life IPR cases from the EU, shedding light on common issues faced by creatives. This segment sparked a lively discussion, with participants sharing their experiences and gaining deeper insights into the complexities of intellectual property law. The Q&A session that followed provided an excellent opportunity for participants to clarify doubts and ask specific questions related to their fields.
A Collaborative experience for creatives
The Sweden workshop exemplified the spirit of collaboration that is central to the HEPHAESTUS project. By bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds—researchers, artists, designers, and legal experts—the event fostered an environment of learning and knowledge exchange. The combination of technical sessions, artistic exploration, and legal guidance provided participants with a holistic view of the creative process, from concept to protection.
The HEPHAESTUS consortium is proud to have been a part of this meaningful event, reinforcing its commitment to supporting artisans and designers through knowledge sharing, cross-disciplinary partnerships, and innovative approaches to creative work.
