Make the most of your IP with help from your local library

The 'IP' in Business and IP Centre Norfolk, run by Norfolk County Council's Library & Information Service, stands for intellectual property - but what is it exactly and why should your business protect it? 

Intellectual property can consist of many different areas, from logos and corporate identity through to products, services and processes that differentiate your business offering. It's when these ideas are used without permission that an organisation can suffer. 

Almost all businesses have benefited from the internet, where products, services and marketing communications can reach vast audiences at relatively low costs - but this has also increased the chances of intellectual property theft. Companies of all sizes are at risk of having their unique ideas, products or services infringed upon. 

It may seem initially daunting or time consuming, but protecting your IP is well worth the time and effort and isn't as difficult as you may think. 

That's where BIPC Norfolk can help, and on Thursday 27 February they are holding Intellectual Property Day - a day of free sessions at the Millennium Library for everything you need to know about IP. 

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, cabinet member for communities and partnerships at Norfolk County Council, said: "Since 2017, BIPC Norfolk has been a member of the national network of Patent Libraries (PATLIB). This enables them to offer advice on protecting your IP. 

"Specially trained staff, based at libraries around the county, can give you free, confidential advice on a range of intellectual property topics. Although this doesn't include legal advice, they also partner with local companies who can offer these sessions if needed." 

The morning sessions of Intellectual Property Day are aimed at anyone who would like a basic understanding of IP and the legalities involved, while the afternoon sessions will go into greater depth about how you can exploit the IP your business owns. There will also be a networking session over lunchtime, with the chance to chat to other entrepreneurs and IP professionals. You are welcome to attend for the whole day, or just the sessions that most interest you. 

Agenda: 

• 10:30am-12pm - Protecting your creativity (BIPC Norfolk Coordinators Pete Golland, Jonny Ellis and Julie Cleminson) 
• 12-1pm - The legal side of IP (Melanie Harvey, Birketts LLP) 
• 1-2pm - Networking 
• 2-2.20pm - Exploiting your IP: R&D, tax credits and IP (James Campbell, Walmer Group) 
• 2.20-2.40pm - Exploiting your IP: IP and funding (Julie Pauley, Innovate UK Business Growth) 
• 2.40-3pm - Exploiting your IP: Finance and pitching (Lynette Meen, NatWest) 
• 3-3.20pm - Exploiting your IP: Did you know you can now borrow against your company IP? (Phil Bailey, Inngot) 

Phil Bailey, Lending Relationships Manager at Inngot, said: "Raising funding through IP is an avenue that businesses may not have thought of, and that's where companies like Inngot come in, helping them establish the value of their intangible assets. 

"If your business is fast-growing with a good turnover but needs cash to grow, join us for the IP Day afternoon sessions and we'll explain how you can get the most out of your IP." 

Find out more and register for Intellectual Property Day.

For more information about how BIPC Norfolk can help your business, see www.norfolk.gov.uk/bipcnorfolk.