Unlocking business potential with Intellectual Property
A wealth of intellectual property advice and practical help will be on offer to small and medium sized enterprises at a free event being held at the Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury on 26 September 2008. Organised by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) in partnership with West Berkshire Council's Trading Standards Service and Business Link, this event will focus on the intellectual property system and the benefits of protecting your business's intellectual assets.
This event is a unique opportunity to obtain quality advice in a relaxed and informal setting. A presentation by the UK-IPO will focus on the intellectual property system and the benefits of protecting your business's intellectual assets. A local entrepreneur will share their experience of working with the UK-IPO and highlight the benefits of protecting intellectual property rights. The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) and The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) will also deliver a short presentation about their role in the intellectual property field. There will also be an opportunity to meet with attorneys on a one to one basis.
Ian Fletcher, CEO of the UK-IPO said; "The UK-Intellectual Property Office has a strong commitment to offer a high quality service to all our customer's so they can protect their intellectual property assets. Our awareness seminars provide a one stop shop offering advice and information for every type of business, as intellectual property is relevant whether you are a sole trader or you represent a multinational company".
Within the last two years, our statistics show that the Newbury area has had 212 patents published and 153 granted. This shows the strength of creativity and innovation this region has to offer.
Geoff Findlay, Executive Member for Public Protection and Waste said, "The Council is very pleased that this event is taking place in West Berkshire. Anyone who has seen programmes such as Dragon's Den will know the importance of protecting your trade marks, copyright, designs and patents. This is a great opportunity for the West Berkshire business community to engage with this subject and protect the fruits of their labours".
The UK Intellectual Property Office Intellectual Property Awareness Day takes place on the morning of Friday 26 September 2008 09:30 - 13:30 at the Arlington Arts Centre, Newbury.
Entry to the event is free and places are limited and can quickly become oversubscribed. To avoid missing out, bookings should be made in advance by e-mailing events@ipo.gov.uk or for further information please contact the Events Team on +44 (0)1633 814708.
Editor's notes
The average small business relies heavily on the intellectual capital - and it is not just innovative new products or clever inventions. It is tied up in the reputation of the company and its services which can all be protected by various legal systems. Those same systems can be used by other companies to defend their intellectual assets. There is a whole minefield of opportunities and threats that many small businesses ignore at their peril.
At the outset, most companies are aware of the choice of their company name and, if they have created a new product, then will be aware of the need to protect it with a patent. Many, however, are unaware of the ability to protect their work, or the power of trade marks or the danger of infringing other peoples' intellectual assets.
The four main types of IP are:
- Copyright - protects material, such as literature, art, music, sound recordings, films and broadcast
- Designs - protect the visual appearance or eye appeal of products.
- Patents - protect the technical and functional aspects of products and processes.
- Trade Marks - protect signs that can distinguish the goods and services of one trader from those of another.
However, IP also covers trade secrets, plant varieties, geographical indications, performer's rights and so on. Often, more than one type of IP may apply to the same creation.
Date of release: 5 September 2008