The Government has announced new measures to assist small and medium sized companies to grow their business and protect intellectual property.
As part of the Government’s new Innovation and Research Strategy for Growth, the planned growth will create a boost through substantial investment in research and innovation in the UK.
The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) announced the key actions include:
- A new online business advisor training tool that will give advisors the skills and information they need to help businesses protect the value of their intellectual property.
- An online register of advisors to help businesses find the right advisor for them quickly and easily.
- Consulting businesses, business advisors and IP specialists about how lower cost IP legal and commercial advice can be provided.
- Offering free intellectual property audits to businesses through routes such as the Technology Strategy Board.
- Enhancing existing schemes such as mediation to provide a more efficient dispute resolution service that can prevent potentially costly legal cases.
Minister for Intellectual Property Baroness Wilcox said:
The intellectual property of small and medium sized businesses is vital to their future economic growth and success. Their innovative ideas and creations can be worth billions of pounds so it is essential that we provide them with the support they need to protect and enforce their rights.
The package of measures outlined today will allow the Intellectual Property Office to build even stronger links with businesses, giving them the confidence to trade both in the UK and abroad.
