IP Tips
Mark Barber
Regional Innovation Team
Business Link

Tip # 1
Don’t tell anyone about your idea!
Tip:
Tell them using a Confidentiality / Non-disclosure
Agreement
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Tip #2
Are the rights owned already?
Tip:
Do initial check on Intellectual Property Office website
www.ipo.gov.uk/
esp@cenet
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Tip #3
What’s the most appropriate Intellectual Property Right
(IPR) for your Company?
Tip:
a) How the IP will be exploited
b) How does it fit with company strategy
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Tip #4
Is it Patentable?
Check your invention:
a) Is new / novel
b) Has inventive step
c) Is capable of being used in any kind of industry
d) Is not excluded
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Tip #5
Where do you want Patent protection?
Select the Country/Countries & check the cost of:
a) Application / legal fees
b) Maintenance fees
c) Translation fees
d) IP insurance
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Tip #6
Patent Pending – when to apply.
Two views
a) File immediately – starts application time clock!
b) File when you know what you want to Patent
– can use Patent Pending to your advantage,
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Tip #7
Thinking of a USA Patent?
Tip: Remember….USA has different system
First to Invent NOT first to file (as elsewhere).
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Tip #8
Do you have a new Design?
Tips: Consider your options -
a) Un-registered Community Design (UCD) March 06
b) Registered Community Design (RCD)
c) RCD more cost effective if you want to register in
several EU member state country’s.
0845 600 9 006 www.businesslinkhampshireiow.co.uk

Tip #9
Trade Mark
Tips:
a) Check existing status of Trade Mark and class
b) To consider National or Community Trade Mark
c) The difference between TM and ®
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Tip #10
Copyright ©
Copyright is an automatic right in the UK.
Tips:
a) Good practice to date & time work
b) Consider assignment of copyright to you from
suppliers e.g. websites, software programmers.
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Assistance with IPR’s
Know your rights?
Tips:
a) Contact a BL Innovation Advisor
b) Broker you to Professionals in the respective IP area
0845 600 9 006 www.businesslinkhampshireiow.co.uk