smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Small businesses with new ideas or inventions will be interested in a new product from the Department of Trade and Industry that could help them identify and protect their intellectual property.

A recent survey from the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) indicated that British companies are cutting down on innovation due to the time and cost involved in encouraging new ideas. This new product makes the innovation process much easier and could benefit small businesses in the longer term by giving them a "competitive edge," according to Digby Jones of the CBI.

The "innovation logbook" has been produced in conjunction with the Patent Office to record the development of original ideas and inventions and accumulate legal evidence of ownership of the rights. Ideas or designs are recorded in chronological order and witnessed to help prove ownership of an intellectual property.

The logbook contains advice on the best ways to record information and designs to protect them through the design process. It also offers legal advice on the intellectual property rights system and how to obtain patents, copyrights and trademarks.

Companies can also use the book as a means of sharing knowledge throughout the company and as "a tool to aid innovation and commercialisation."

The innovation logbook costs Ł19.99 (plus Ł3 for postage and packaging). To order a copy go to www.innovationlogbook.gov.uk and download the order form.

For small companies looking for more information on intellectual property rights the Patent Office produces a number of guidance booklets and provides free advisory services for SMEs. Contact them on 08459-500 505 or visit the website at www.patent.gov.uk. For information on methods of innovation visit www.innovation.gov.uk.

See also Intellectual property.

(11/6/2002)

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