Press Release
IPO serves up more free IP support for UK businesses

David Lammy, Minister of State for Intellectual Property, today welcomed a set of new IP advice resources to help UK business gain greater value from their IP.

The IP Healthcheck online diagnostic tool was launched by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) in February 2009 to help innovators and business owners find out how to protect and exploit their brands, inventions, creativity and copyright and drive their businesses forward.

A recent survey of Healthcheck users found that nearly half (48%) of them had acted upon the information provided by the tool, with almost a third (31%) of these users then going on to file an application for a trade mark, patent or design.

Building on the success of the IP Healthcheck the IPO has developed two further free online diagnostic tools.

Commenting on the launch event, hosted by Microsoft, David Lammy said:
“Intellectual Property contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy, so helping businesses to manage and protect their IP is fundamental to our country’s prosperity.”

He added:
“Any business wishing to maintain a competitive edge must license their IP, but understanding the value and opportunities of licensing can be complex. That’s why I am pleased to be launching these new Healthcheck tools that will mean every SME in the UK can go online and receive free targeted advice on how to use the IP they own, in order to benefit their business and become more profitable.”

Ron Zink, Chief IP Counsel EMEA, Microsoft Corporation commented;
“This new free online tool from the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) will be a welcome addition by those individuals and businesses wishing to better understand and utilise their own Intellectual Property.”

“As hosts of today's launch, I am proud to see Microsoft technology being used in such an effective way, supporting SMEs with their Intellectual Property needs”

This invitation only event will be attended by a cross section of business to business support organisations, professional bodies, IP experts and SMEs. They will have the opportunity to explore the new tools and guides, as well as meet industry colleagues and counterparts.

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