Saturday October 5 2024
Swindon & Wiltshire News
Wiltshire businesses are at risk if they don’t protect their intellectual property that’s the message at a free seminar to be staged in the town on May 20, by Dave Hopkins, of the government’s Intellectual Property Office.
Among other cautionary tales, Dave will cite the example of a microbrewer who failed to protect the labels on her bottles of beer, only to be charged huge sums by her designer to tweak the labels – he owned copyright, rather than she.
The seminar, to be hosted at Banks accountants’ offices in Stratton, includes a buffet lunch. It runs from midday and spaces are limited. The seminar covers the four main areas of IP – trade marks, patents, designs and copyright – and how to protect them.
“Intellectual property accounts for a large part of the value of most businesses, but in a recent survey 74 per cent of businesses were unsure who owned the IP rights to their website, logo, artwork or photos,” said David.
“At the IPO we’re trying to raise awareness among businesses of the risks they run if they don’t take steps to protect their intellectual property.”
The IPO website – www.ipo.gov.uk – has a free tool that businesses can use to assess what they might need to protect.
Meanwhile, Paul Gosling, head of tax at Banks, has taken a training course via the IPO, to enable him to assist clients who want to look into IP protection.
Richard Mathews, Banks director, said he was delighted to host the event. “We were approached by Dave at IPO and thought the seminar would be an excellent way to add value to our business clients and others, by offering them information about an area that is often neglected but is so important.”
To book on to the seminar, visit www.banksca.co.uk or email claire.hunt@banksca.co.uk
