SMEs Urged to Unlock Value of their IP [UK]

A wealth of Intellectual Property (IP) advice and practical help will be on offer to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at an event being held in Newcastle on April 15, 2008, a press release by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) stated.

Free information on a wide range of IP matters - from patents, trademarks, new designs legislation, commercial and mediation services - will be available at the Office’s Intellectual Property Awareness Day.

Organized by the UK-IPO 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 IP system and the benefits of protecting 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 (IPRs). ITMA and CIPA will also deliver a short presentation about their role in the IP field.
In Newcastle alone, the Office's 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.
"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,” Business Development Manager at the UK-IPO Miles Rees said.

“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," he added.

The UK-IPO Intellectual Property Awareness Day will be held on April 15, 2008.

Patent Prosecution Highway Extends to United Kingdom [International - Patents]

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) announced on September 4, 2007 that they are now accepting applications for participation in a pilot Patent Prosecution Highway project established between the two offices.

Under the Patent Prosecution Highway, an applicant receiving a ruling from either the UK IPO or the USPTO that at least one claim in an application is patentable may request that the other office fast track the examination of corresponding claims in corresponding applications. Full requirements for participation in the trial program at the USPTO can be found at www.uspto.gov/web/patents/pph/pph_index.html. According to the press release from the UK Patent Office, patent applicants will be required to submit search and examination reports prepared by the other patent office in order qualify for accelerated treatment.

The purpose of the trial program is to gauge the interest of applicants and determine if the program improves quality and efficiency and reduces the workload at the USPTO and the UK IPO. The trial period is set to expire September 4, 2008, but may be extended for up to one year or terminated earlier depending on volume of activity and other factors. Both offices will provide notice of any adjustment in the trial period.

The UK Intellectual Property Office is created

The UK Patent Office has announced that it plans to change its name to the UK Intellectual Property Office, in line with the recommendation of the Government's Gowers Review of Intellectual Property.

The new name is designed to reflect the Office's wider role, encompassing copyright and trademarks as well as patents.

'The [Gowers] report's main recommendations will help us to enforce intellectual property rights, and support British businesses both at home and abroad,' said Ron Marchant, the Office's chief executive.

The Gowers Review, set up by Chancellor Gordon Brown and chaired by former Financial Times journalist Andrew Gowers had considered whether to recommend the setting up of a separate copyright office, but instead concluded that all intellectual property issues should be overseen by a single organisation.