17.12.12
Intellectual property measures to be strengthened
New measures are to be launched to protect intellectual property and ensure creativity and innovation supports growth in the UK, business secretary Vince Cable has announced.
The plans aim to strengthen the enforcement of the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). A new superfast patent processing service will deliver patents in just 90 days and a campaign will be launched to educate smaller businesses about getting the best value from their creativity and innovation.
Action will also be taken to help consumers and particularly young people to understand the importance of respect for intellectual property and the IPO will work with key partners, such as police, to tackle IP crime.
The measures will come into effect next year and the IPO will expand the way it operates, with an advisory service piloted for small and medium sized businesses with high-growth potential.
A new national consumer campaign to raise awareness of IP crime will be launched in the spring.
Cable said: “Our creativity, our openness to and talent for innovation, is a key pillar of our return to robust growth. So it is right we work to create the environment in which creative, innovative businesses of all shapes and sizes flourish.
“A vital part of getting this is making sure that the intellectual property landscape encourages and cements success and growth. The new vision for how we support businesses and consumers is central to achieving this.”
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