Government announcement of IP support for SMEs

Commenting on a Government announcement about plans to provide a package of IP support to SMEs, Karl Barnfather, partner and patent attorney at Withers & Rogers, said:

“In the current low-growth economy, UK competitiveness is coming under increased pressure and it is good to see that the Government is taking action to support SMEs in protecting their IP and achieving growth.

“The offer of free IP audits is particularly valuable as many UK-based businesses are unaware of the full extent of their knowledge-based assets and there is a risk that valuable assts go under-exploited. For example some commercially significant information could be disclosed unintentionally, leaving the door open to competitors seeking to develop overseas.

“The promise of further consultation to explore ways to lower the cost of IP protection and improve access to commercial advice is encouraging. This could pave the way for ‘utility model’ patents, which would provide a useful lower cost and quick-to-market alternative to standard patent protection, lasting for up to 10 years rather than 20 for patents.

“In the fast-paced world of consumer electronics and mobile phones, for example, products are often superseded within just a few years and the 10 year protection provided by a utility model patent is often more than adequate. Similarly, innovators in trend driven industries like homewares, packaging and vehicle accessories would be prepared to sacrifice the longer-term protection provided by full patents in exchange for quicker, cheaper protection for their developments.”