The Black Country branch recently organised a seminar about intellectual property rights (IPR) at the Wolverhampton Science Park on Friday 23 May. The event was well attended with 30 delegates registered from a range of businesses across the region.

The event was sponsored by Shakespeare Putsman and their speaker, Neil Forrest, gave an extremely informative summary about the issues around IPR.

Neil, a solicitor specialising in IT, IP and commercial matters, used his experience from 8 years working in the IT industry as a software engineer, software architect and project manager, to help WMita members and visitors understand the importance of managing their IPR.

Neil guided the audience through the four principal areas of copyright, patents, registered/unregistered designs and trademarks, and how the owner of these has the right to exploit, sell or licence the IPR.

Trade marks were of particular interest and Neil advised that that companies should ideally use a trained solicitor or trademark attorney rather than attempt to register trade marks themselves.

The lively questions during and after the presentation highlighted that IPR is an area of great interest to members who could benefit from an audit reviewing a company’s IP to give clarity on their IPR position and what protection measures may need to be put in place.

And the key message if you have a good idea and want to protect it – don’t tell anyone!

In addition, the West Midlands Business Council also contributed to the event and Jim Johnston, AWM’s Business Manager 2012 Games gave a brief overview of the business opportunities for West Midlands companies from the 2012 Olympic Games. All members were urged to register on CompeteFor where ODA and LOCOG will advertise contract opportunities.

Photo:

Speakers at the Black Country IPR event: (l to r)

Jim Johnston, AWM

Neil Forrest, Shakespeare Putsman

Nigel Babb, University of Wolverhampton and Chair of Black Country branch