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The importance of intellectual property for Black Country businesses

Emma Johnson

Black Country businesses could be in danger of having ideas, designs and products stolen due to a lack of understanding of intellectual property rights, according to experts at Forresters.

The firm, which specialises in intellectual property law, say businesses in all sectors and industries could be at a competitive disadvantage unless they possess relevant intellectual property rights, such as patents, trademarks and copyright.

To address the issue, and support businesses in the region, Forresters will host a free seminar, ‘Are your ideas and brands protected? Demystifying patents and trademarks’ on May 13th at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

Leading the event, which is being staged as part of the Black Country Business Festival, will be Emma Johnson, a partner at Forresters and a specialist UK and European patent and trade mark attorney.

“In today’s connected world, the chance of ideas being stolen and replicated is much greater than ever before, she said. “Without safeguards like intellectual property rights in place, businesses become vulnerable to national or international competition, with rivals being able to replicate and sell the product or service at a lower price without incurring any research or development costs.

“This event is aimed at a wide range of people from business owners and manufacturers to product designers and branding consultants,” said Emma. “We will help attendees identify the many aspects of their business that can be protected – this could include their name and logo, designs, inventions, trade marks and creative works. We will help them appreciate the value of those assets and to protect themselves from their competitors.

“For example, some engineering and manufacturing companies don’t fully understand that it’s not just products that can be protected with patents, but also the way they are designed and manufactured.”

With clear and jargon-free advice, Forresters will explain the steps attendees will need to take to get protection in place. The event starts at 10am and will be followed by refreshments and the chance to meet Forresters representatives for private consultations.

The Black Country Business Festival is an annual, two-week Festival incorporating hundreds of free business events, which take place throughout the Black Country region.

For more information and to book your place go to: www.blackcountrybusinessfestival.com.

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