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| Ben Nevis Author Ben Hanson III Licence Public Domain Source Wikipedia Commons |
.... When the going gets rough IP is essential!
At a time of rising interest rates, high energy and commodity prices and weakening demand, it is natural for businesses to seek ways of cutting expenditure. Professional services particularly expenditure on patent, trade mark or registered design applications or intellectual property enforcement appear to offer plenty of scope for savings. Such savings can be a false economy because adverse trading conditions can be a time of opportunity. New technologies are evolving in green tech, renewables and artificial intelligence and many well-known trade marks are appearing on the market.
Vincents, one of Lancashire's leading law firms, recognizes those opportunities which is why it is hosting a seminar on the theme "IP is not just a 'nice-to-have' in good times. In a recession it is essential" for its local business, financial and professional services, local government and academic communities at its Guild Chambers offices, 4 Winkley Square between 16:00 and 18:00 on Thursday, 16 May 2024 between 16:00 and 18:00. The seminar will be chaired by Michael Sandys, Head of Commercial and Corporate Law at Vincents.
I have been invited to speak at the event. After a very quick introduction to IP law for those who are new to the topic I shall talk about some of the opportunities that are currently available such as IP-backed funding, the new Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, research collaboration with universities and purchasing distressed brands.
I shall also talk about enforcement. The launch of the Unified Patent Court on 1 June 2024 before which many British patent attorneys but not British lawyers are entitled to appear has been a great success putting national courts on their mettle. The English courts have responded with the £500,000 costs cap for litigation in the Shorter Trials Scheme which began on 1 Jan 2024. I shall also mention the relocation of the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court Small Claims Track from the Rolls Building to the Manchester Civil Justice Centre, alternatives to litigation such as the ICANN and Nominet domain name dispute resolution services and the IPO's opinion service.
Anyone wishing to attend the seminar should email Michael Sandys on mls@vslaw.co.uk or call his office on 01772 55 51 76. For more information on this article call me on 020 7404 5252 during normal office hours or send me a message through my contact form.
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