Intellectual Property Advice
Intellectual Property Advice
Intellectual property (IP) is a vital component of a company's value, a contributor to its success and major source of sustainable competitive advantage. However, dealing with IP is complex, expensive and time consuming. It is best to seek advice at the outset. The Enterprise Hub offers a range of specialist IP services some of which are free to Hub companies, but not all Hub companies will be eligible.
IP Audit
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This includes conducting an audit to establish the composition of your IP portfolio. The audit will identify actual and potential IP owned by your company and will generate several outputs:
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A summary inventory of existing and potential IP showing its status: idle, expired, licensed (in or out), wholly owned, partially owned and non-viable
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A commercial assessment of IP prioritized according to feasibility and compatibility with business strategy
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A strategy for the protection and commercial exploitation of IP. This includes a competitor appraisal and commentary on the international potential.
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An action plan of quick wins and strategic objectives.
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Formulating strategies to commercialise IP and align with company R&D and commercial goals.
Protecting IP
Having evaluated a company's IP portfolio, through the Hub’s expert advisors, companies can receive help with the practicalities of protecting intellectual property, e.g. application, filing and defence. In particular:
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Advice on the optimum form of IP, including: patent, trade mark, copyright, and design rights
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Analysis of the scope of IP protection by subject matter and geographic distribution.