Patent Office free seminar in York promotes Intellectual Property in Chemical Science Sector

The Patent Office is working closely with The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) to produce an event which will show how intellectual assets are key to business success in the knowledge economy. The free event will be held on 7 November at the York National Science Learning Centre, York. The seminar starts at 18.00 and ends at 21.00.

The event is focussed specifically on patent issues within chemical science and brings together a wealth of expertise in intellectual property (IP) and business to provide information in this exciting area.

Through the course of the evening a range of speakers will discuss new developments in Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in chemical science, common areas where patent application’s go wrong, how to successfully defend a patent and will include a local case study. Following the presentations there will be an opportunity to network with others and also ask the experts questions.

To book a place on this FREE event, individuals should contact Emma Brenton, The Patent Office Events Co-ordinator.

Editors' notes:

• The venue is The National Science Centre, York University, York, YO10 5DD
• Further details on this event are available.
• Through the course of the evening attendees will hear:
  
  1. About new developments in IPRs in the chemical sciences.
  
  2. What are the top 10 things people get wrong when applying for a patent.
  
  3. How to successfully defend a patent.
  
  4. A Case Study - Dr Patrick McGowan, DyeCat Ltd, the University of Leeds.
• The event will have patent examiners from The Patent Office, a patent attorney, Chemical patent specialists, representatives from Business Link and also representatives from the Regional Development Agency offer advice.
• 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 trademarks or the danger of infringing other peoples’ intellectual assets.
• The four main types of IP are:
  
  a. Copyright - Copyright protects material, such as literature, art, music, sound recordings, films and broadcasts.
  
  b. Designs - Designs protect the visual appearance or eye appeal of products.
  
  c. Patents - Patents protect the technical and functional aspects of products and processes.
  
  d. Trade Marks - 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, performers rights and so on.
• Often, more than one type of IP may apply to the same creation.

Date of release: 31 October 2006