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Government Strategy to open up access to IP for SMEs

government Strategy to open up access to IP for SMEs

9 December 2011

A Strategy published yesterday and highlighted by the IPO’s press release sets out measures to help small and medium size businesses protect their IP rights.

The strategy picks up a number of proposals for the future (such as the creation of a register of IP advisors, online training tool, and provision of audits) and some that are already in place such as online patent service “Ipsum” which allows businesses to find patents and related documentation online.

All steps are welcomed if they result in SME’s developing and protecting IP. So often SMEs only become aware of IP rights and their protection as a result of an internal dispute or on the departure of a key developer. Lets hope these measures will allow SMEs to be sufficiently informed at an early stage to prevent unnecessary disputes from arising.

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