If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your business idea or been unsure about intellectual property (IP) and how it applies to your work, you're not alone. Getting to grips with the basics of IP can feel daunting when you're running a business.
That's why our Business Outreach Team has created a new, CPD-accredited one-day workshop that introduces you to IP and helps you understand how it relates to your business.
Why IP matters (and why we're here to help)
IP might not be the most obvious priority when you're focused on launching products, winning customers, or growing your business. But it’s often one of your most valuable assets. It can protect your innovations, distinguish your brand from competitors, and add tangible value to your business.
The challenge is that IP can be complex and knowing where to start isn't always clear. That's where our Business Outreach Team comes in – to give you the foundational knowledge you need.
Learning from IPO experts
You'll be learning directly from the Intellectual Property Office's Business Outreach Team, who have extensive knowledge of IP and how it works in practice, helping businesses across the UK navigate IP.
The one-day workshop is designed for business owners, inventors, product designers, business coaches, accountants, university lecturers, and anyone responsible for managing an IP portfolio. Whether you're completely new to IP or looking to build on existing knowledge, this workshop will give you practical insights into how IP functions.
What you'll learn
The workshop covers three core areas:
- Protecting and defending your own IP.
We'll introduce you to the different types of IP protection available, including trade marks, patents, copyright and registered designs. You'll learn about protection options both in the UK and internationally, and discover what might be appropriate for your situation. - Recognising other people's IP.
It's important to be aware of existing IP rights to avoid potential issues. We'll help you understand the landscape and what to look out for. - Trade secrets and confidentiality.
Not everything needs formal registration. We'll explore when confidentiality might be the right approach and how to think about trade secrets.
An interactive workshop format
Rather than sitting through presentations all day, this workshop is designed to be interactive. You'll work through case studies based on real scenarios, participate in quizzes to test your knowledge, and complete practical exercises that help bring IP concepts to life.
Ready to get started?
Understanding the basics of IP can help you make informed decisions about your business and know when you might need professional advice. Whether you're developing new products, building a brand, or managing innovations, our Business Outreach Team is here to help you learn how IP works and how it relates to your business.
Our first workshop takes place on 18 November 2025 at Future Inn Bristol. Find out more or sign up by visiting the workshop page on GOV.UK or emailing ipworkshop@ipo.gov.uk.
1 comment
Comment by Bandele Jacqueline Mbu Tchicaya posted on
Thank you very much