The UK Intellectual Property Office Awareness Campaign sells out in Cambridge

There was overwhelming demand in Cambridge to attend a free seminar providing information on a range of intellectual property (IP) matters - from patents, trade marks, new designs legislation, commercial and mediation services.

A wealth of advice and practical help was on offer to small and medium sized enterprises at the event held in Cambridge this morning. Organised by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) in partnership with Microsoft, the event brought together representatives from the professional bodies The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) and The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA).

The event was an excellent opportunity for small and medium sized enterprises to obtain quality advice in a relaxed and informal setting. A presentation by the UK-IPO focussed on the intellectual property system and the benefits of protecting intellectual assets. Cathy Brode a local entrepreneur shared her experience of working with the UK-IPO and highlighted the benefits of protecting intellectual property rights. ITMA and CIPA also delivered short presentations about their role in the intellectual property field.

In Cambridge alone, our statistics show that 2038 patent applications were filed in the last three years. This demonstrates the creativity and innovation strengths of this city.

Cathy Brode – CEO of 3BView who spoke at the event said:

"For most organisations Intellectual Property is one of the most important assets they have. We would define Intellectual Property as anything you can own but you can't physically touch. But however you define IP, protecting it, enhancing and realising its value is absolutely critical.

3BView prevents information leaks via outbound electronic communication. Law firms across the world use 3BView to protect themselves and their clients."

Dervish Tayyip, Head of Legal, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Microsoft Ltd said:

"Cambridge has long been recognised as an international hub for innovation; and intellectual property is the bedrock on which it is built. IP rights allow the exchange of knowledge and ideas that are so important to new thinking whilst ensuring that innovation is fairly rewarded. Of course, IP is at the core of everything we do at Microsoft, but it is also the mechanism that enables us to invest our technologies in our partners' businesses."

Miles Rees, Business Development Manager, UK Intellectual Property Office said;

"The UK Intellectual Property Office is keen to offer a high quality service to all UK businesses. By bringing experts in patents, trade marks, designs and copyright together at the Intellectual Property Awareness Days, we are providing a one-stop shop offering advice and information. I am delighted that businesses in the Cambridge area have responded enthusiastically to our invitation and the event was fully booked in February."

The next UK Intellectual Property Office Awareness Day takes place on the morning of 15 April 2008 09.30 - 13.30 at The Centre for Life, Scotswood Suite, Times Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1.

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 contacting by email events@ipo.gov.uk or for further information please contact the Events Team on 01633 814708.

Editors' 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 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 broadcasts.
  
  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.