smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Innovators and entrepreneurs can get free advice and information on how patenting their new ideas can help their businesses grow at an international conference held this week.

Patinnova/Epidos 2001, jointly organised by the European Commission and the European Patent Office, will run for four days and is being held in Cardiff.

The conference itself will see over 600 professionals from the patent, innovation and information-brokerage fields come together to discuss patent-related issues in the new digital economy.

The exhibition which accompanies the conference will be open to all, with professionals from more than 50 organisations available to answer questions. Training seminars will also take place.

The European Commission commented that as well as getting hold of proper financing entrepreneurs with new ideas need to protect their intellectual property rights adequately.

This is so they can make the most of the business opportunities available to them, handle the challenges thrown up by a knowledge-based economy and turn "innovation into entrepreneurship."

The UK Patent Office is a key source of information and advice for anyone in the UK who wishes to find out more about the patent system and how it can benefit their business's development.

It has a number of booklets on patents ranging from 'How to prepare a UK patent' to 'Keeping your patent in force'. These booklets are all available from the Central Enquiry Unit, by phoning 08459-500505. Limited advice over the phone is also available from this number.

Access the Office's website at www.patent.gov.uk for further information on patents, as well as trade marks, copyright and designs or visit www.intellectual-property.gov.uk for more general information on the concept of intellectual property in the UK.

The European Patent Office publishes a booklet entitled 'How to get a European Patent', which is available by phoning +49-892399-4512.

With thanks to Lloyds TSB Success4Business. For more news and information visit www.success4business.com .

(15/10/01)

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