Intellectual Property for Eco-innovators

Background

The majority of eco-innovative firms own or create intellectual property (IP) in the form of trademarks, copyright, patents, database rights or registered/unregistered designs. In developing innovative environmental products and technologies, many smaller businesses are not fully aware of the opportunities to protect and exploit their IP. Knowledge of the range of protection and licensing options should complement each eco-innovator’s approach to competing effectively.

Customers and collaborators often seek clarity over the position on IP and around 10-20% of small- and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) may be involved in litigation related to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Many SMEs therefore have questions, such as:

Why would you apply for different types of IP protection? Is UK registration sufficient?
Where do you check to clear use of a new business or product name?
What is the cost/benefit of registering a trade mark?
What is the difference in protection between a Patent, UK Design Right (automatic and free) and UK Registered Design?
Would a contractor own the copyright to commissioned work, if copyright is not assigned to the commissioning company?
How should confidentiality be agreed?
What forms of disclosure would invalidate a later patent application?
How can the value of IP be assessed?
Where do you apply for each type of IP protection, how do you apply and what does it cost? Where can I get further advice?

This Intellectual Property Workshop will tackle such questions through a series of practical scenarios, discussion and guidance from the Intellectual Property Office. This is based on a successful Intellectual Property Office workshop that has been delivered to SMEs, Business Link and UKTI advisors and a variety of professional bodies for more than 10 years.

Target audience

The workshop is aimed at eco-innovative companies with less than 250 employees based in the South East of England that produce low carbon, resource and water efficient products or technologies. Attendees from all roles with a basic to intermediate level of IP expertise are welcome.

Benefits of attending

Gaining a good understanding of trade marks, patents, copyright, designs and confidentiality – your questions answered
Networking
Access to a full suite of support materials from the Intellectual Property Office

Agenda

12:30: Registration, Lunch and Networking
13:30: Introduction and Overview
Tim Woolman, Project Coordinator, The Centre for Sustainable Design, University for the Creative Arts
13:45: Intellectual Property - How IP can impact a businesses’ commercial development
Trade Marks, Copyright and Designs
David Hopkins, Outreach Manager, Intellectual Property Office
15:30: Tea/Coffee and Networking
15:50: Intellectual Property - How IP can impact a businesses’ commercial development
Patents, Confidentiality and Licensing In/Out
David Hopkins, Outreach Manager, Intellectual Property Office
16:30: Discussion & Q&A
17:00: Close

Fees & Registration

There is no charge for this event. Please download the Registration Form

Map & Directions

Please refer to the map

Our Funders

SUSCIN has been funded by South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the South East ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013.

The Centre for Sustainable Design and device is registered as a trade mark in the European Union

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