the Intellectual Property Awareness Network: realising the value of IP

IPAN is a network of professional and business organisations with a shared interest in improving general awareness and understanding of patents, trade marks, designs, copyright and other intellectual property rights.

unsure about "intellectual property" and why it's important?

let IPAN help with:

basic facts about what is IP - intellectual property rights - patents, trademarks, designs, copyright and the like - to help you understand more about its importance in commerce and industry, especially in the UK
useful IP resources from other websites including practical IP guides for start-up businesses.
our Issue Briefs giving basic information about topical IP issues - now fully revised/rewritten: April 2013
general news from the IP scene such as:

Changes to UK design protection announced.... ‘Wise head’ patent attorney wins Queen's Award for Enterprise... UK clinical trials to be exempt from patent infringement... EU Unified Patent Court - a step nearer... New TM for Plant Breeding... Another IP Minister - Lord Younger... Protection of Image Rights - a first for Guernsey.... What do students actually think about IP and its teaching?
information about enforcement of IP rights

the information is intended for guidance to get you started - it is not a substitute for involving appropriate professional advisers

The economic importance of IP and its frequent undervaluation was stressed at the 3rd IPAN World IP Day Event at Westminster, 24th April

Pete Wishart MP, Vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for IP, hosted this IPAN event for parliamentarians in the Terrace Pavilion at Westminster yesterday, 24th April.

The panel of speakers included John Alty, CEO of the Intellectual Property Office, well-known entrepreneur Luke Johnson and award-winning designer Lee Broom and his business partner Charles Rudgard, for a discussion emphasising the key economic importance of IP and its protection to innovators and UK creative businesses.

The event was attended by over 80 people, including MPs and Peers from the major parties as well representatives from business, industry, brand-owners, universities and the professions.

see our news item
read the IPAN Press release
read IPAN member papers on the IPO World IP Day site

"Rethink of IP teaching in Further Education needed" - according to a new UK survey

This is a finding from a new survey of Student Attitudes to IP and its teaching published on 23rd Oct 2012. The on-line survey was carried out by the National Union of Students in collaboration with IPAN and the Intellectual Property Office.

According to the survey students recognise that understanding IP is important for their education and future careers but fail to see any link between IP and their eventual commercial success (or failure).

read more here

membership of IPAN:

Membership is open to organisations interested in improving knowledge and understanding of IP and of its value to society.

for more information, see about IPAN or why not contact us by email?

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