This week, Exeter PATLIB (Patent Information Centre), part of Business & IP Centre Devon, has been welcomed into the European Patent Office’s PATLIB network. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to work alongside our European colleagues as part of the PATLIB 2.0 project, supporting innovation and developing the intellectual property services we can offer. Across Europe there are over 300 centres, largely based in universities and public libraries, all helping entrepreneurs, inventors and small businesses to protect their intellectual property.
So what is a PATLIB centre?
Simply put, PATLIB centres (or patent libraries) provide information about patents and other types of intellectual property. Despite the name, they don’t just cover patents! Need to know how to register a trade mark? Concerned whether your copyright is adequately protected? Or curious as to whether registered designs would be a helpful way forward for your business? We can talk you the process, the costs, and the benefits and downsides to different types of intellectual property protection.
How can we help you?
Here at Exeter PATLIB, you can:
- Arrange one a meeting with one of the Business & IP Centre Team, either in-person or virtually, to talk through the IP in your business, and your possible next steps
- Get expert help – we work closely with Stephens Scown Solicitors, and can refer you on for a free introductory meeting.
- Join one of our regular webinars, to get an overview of different aspects of intellectual property in the UK
- Find books in print, audio and ebook format, to help you get up to speed on intellectual property matters.
Interested in learning more? We’d love to hear from you! Explore our intellectual property webpages, or contact us for an appointment!