Better regulation
The aim of "better regulation" is to provide a light touch regulatory environment, including reducing and removing unnecessary government regulation, while preserving essential protections for the public, consumers and the workforce. This means less red tape for business and more efficient public services.
The principles of better regulation inform much of the work we do, including our approach to policy making and law reform, the rules and guidelines we set and the services we offer.
Impact Assessments
We prepare and publish impact assessments 
for all regulatory proposals in the intellectual property area, including for European proposals. Impact assessments enable the Government and the public to consider the costs and benefits of possible and actual government interventions in the public, private and third sectors.
Simplification
We are committed to reducing burdens on business and other users of the IP system and have identified a number of ways to make the system easier to use including simplified forms, rules and processes. These measures form part of the Simplification Plan for the Department of Innovation Universities and Skills (which will be published in December 2007) and were previously part of the Simplification Plan for the Department of Trade and Industry.
Consultation
Consultation is a key part of the policy-making process. Your views can help shape policy developments and help us to improve the services we offer. In line with government policy and best practice, we consult on new legislation and important policy proposals, including the impacts of such proposals. More information about the way we consult and about specific consultations can be found here.
More information on wider government better regulation initiatives can be found on the Better Regulation Executive website .
