SMEs urged to unlock value of their intellectual property

A wealth of intellectual property advice and practical help will be on offer to small and medium sized enterprises at an event being held in Newcastle on 15 April 2008.

Free information on a wide range of intellectual property matters - from patents, trade marks, new designs legislation, commercial and mediation services - will be available at the Office’s Intellectual Property Awareness Day at Centre For Life, Scotswood Suite, Times Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4EP

Organised by the UK Intellectual Property Office in partnership with the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC), the event brings together representatives from the professional bodies The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) and The Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) under one roof.

The 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. Local entrepreneurs will share their experience of working with the UK-IPO and highlight the benefits of protecting intellectual property rights. ITMA and CIPA will also deliver a short presentation about their role in the intellectual property field.

In Newcastle alone, our latest statistics show that 561 patent applications were filed during 2005 and 2007. This shows the strength of creativity and innovation the city has to offer.

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. There will be help on hand for every type of business because intellectual property is important and relevant whether you are a sole trader or you represent a multinational company."

The UK Intellectual Property Office Intellectual Property Awareness Day takes place on the morning of 15 April 2008 09:30 - 13.30 at Centre For Life, Scotswood Suite, Times Square, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4EP.

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 +44 (0)1633 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:

1. Copyright - protects material, such as literature, art, music, sound recordings, films and broadcasts.
2. Designs - protect the visual appearance or eye appeal of products.
3. Patents - protect the technical and functional aspects of products and processes.
4. 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: 11 April 2008