John Cunningham from the Business & IP Centre North East (BIPC) will be available at the North East BIC on the first and third Wednesday of every month, from 10:00am to 3:00pm, to answer your Intellectual Property (IP) queries.
You can find John in The Atrium at the BIC – simply drop in, no appointment required.
IP protects the expression of an idea. When you start or run a business, you are creating IP assets and are likely to use other people’s IP too.
What is IP?
There are four main types of IP that protect different aspects of your business, and you may be using several at the same time:
- Copyright – protects original works such as images, videos, written content and sound recordings.
- Trade Marks – protect elements of your brand, such as your business name, logo or slogan.
- Design Rights – protect the appearance of a product, including shape, pattern or packaging.
- Patents – protect a new way of doing something, typically a new invention or production technique.
John can help you understand how IP applies to your business and how you can:
- Avoid infringing other people’s IP.
- Identify the IP you already own.
- Take steps to protect your valuable ideas and creations.
Market Intelligence & Research Support
Alongside IP guidance, John can also introduce you to the BIPC’s Market Intelligence resources – a collection of high-value business databases funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Market intelligence helps you make informed decisions when you are:
Writing a business plan
- Applying for funding.
- Exploring new markets or locations.
- Developing new products or services.
Through the BIPC, you can access detailed industry insights, consumer trends, supplier directories, funding opportunities and commercial property data. These tools include:
- COBRA – business start-up guides
- IBISWorld – UK industry analysis and forecasts
- Mintel – consumer and market trends
- Kompass – supplier and manufacturer listings
- GrantFinder – funding and grant opportunities
- CoStar – commercial property and local spending data
These resources are normally very costly, but the BIPC provides them free of charge to support local businesses.
If you’d like to talk about Intellectual Property or find out more about the Market Intelligence available, John will be at The Atrium at the BIC on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
Just drop in for a chat.
To learn more about the BIPC’s IP support, visit: https://www.bipcnortheast.co.uk/intellectual-property/