Business tools and training
Published 30 October 2013
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/business-tools-and-training/business-tools-and-training
The new UK National Security and Investment Act 2021 comes into effect fully from 4 January 2022. Businesses and investors should check the guidance to understand what types of acquisitions are covered by the new rules.
IP for business online tools
Our online training tools have been designed to help you:
- understand how intellectual property (IP) works and what can be protected using patents, copyright, trade marks and designs
- understand how to manage and use IP
- consider IP within business planning
- best leverage IP to protect investments and products
The tools are designed for businesses and business advisors, although they will helpful for anyone learning how to manage or use IP.
They are free to use and once registered, you will have access to the following business focused resources:
IP Equip
This e-learning tool helps businesses and business advisors understand intellectual property rights ie trade marks, patents, copyright and designs.
IP Equip contains 4 short modules and uses case studies to show why intellectual property is important.
Many of our customers complete IP Equip to learn about IP.
Benefits
- free access to business checklists, business guides and a document library
- CPD credit on completion (1 point)
- IPO certification via a certificate
- you can use your smart phone, tablet or PC to take the training
IP Health Check
Every business will own some form of IP. It could be the artistic design, shape, technology or brand of your product or process, but do you know how to protect and exploit these intellectual assets?
The IP Health Check online tool is free to use and will help you answer these questions. It’s broken down into the 4 IP elements covering patents, trade marks, designs and copyright, as well as advice on licensing intellectual property and managing confidential information.
Just answer a series of simple questions and a tailored confidential report will be created for you, based on what you have told us. The report will include:
- a list of recommended action points, to help you protect and exploit your IP rights
- an explanation of why we have made each recommendation
- guidance on how to put each recommendation into practice
- links to useful information, websites and other resources
B2B Toolkit
This B2B online tool provides advice and guidance to businesses wishing to collaborate with other businesses; from preparing for initial discussions and negotiating contracts, through to best practice and resolving issues that arise from the collaboration. Businesses will be able to recognise and consider how IP is protected and utilised prior to, and during collaborations; and owned, managed and licensed afterwards.
By completing an online checklist you will be provided with a personalised to-do list which outlines key actions and things you should consider when entering into a collaboration. At the end of the process, you should understand the decisions you need to make to put together a ‘Term Sheet’ for the collaboration, work with a professional advisor to draft a suitable Collaboration Agreement and manage the project.
IP for Investment Tool
This IP for Investment online tool has been created as a resource to help prepare an IP-rich business when seeking equity finance to grow. The tool will help a business identify and assess its IP assets in the context of its overall business strategy and help it understand how the IP assets relate to the business’ growth.
Business Lifecycle framework - intellectual property at every stage.
This Business Lifecyle framework has been developed to support entrepreneurs and businesses to understand and manage their IP at every stage of their business lifecycle. The framework provides information, guidance, and support for businesses through the stages of pre-start; start up; growing/scaling up; and exiting the business so businesses can find the right information at the right time.
IP Masterclass training course
Many business advisors understand the importance of IP within a business. Reach your potential with this CPD certified quality IP advisor training for business professionals.
Available face to face, this specialist course will enable you to develop a detailed understanding of IP and how it relates to business. You will also develop sound practical skills you can apply to a business environment.
For more information and details of how to register see Intellectual property training course: IP Masterclass.