EPO Guidelines Update March 2023

Intellectual Property is a key aspect to consider for SMEs looking to develop and, if used correctly, can be a tool to grow and protect a business. However, the types and scope of protection of different forms of IP are frequently confused and misunderstood. This lack of understanding, along with the frequently prohibitive costs of certain forms of IP, is often the cause of businesses neglecting actual and potential IP rights that could be hugely beneficial. Nevertheless, there are a number of options for UK SMEs to help them develop and utilise their IP.

IP Audit Plus

One option for SMEs based in the UK is the IP Audit Plus scheme, run by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) in conjunction with its IP Audit partners, Innovate UK Edge (formerly Enterprise Europe Network), Scottish Enterprise and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the Welsh Government. The IP Audit Plus scheme allows SMEs to obtain advice from a Chartered Patent or Trade Mark Attorney on their exis