tech business events to

connect + inform + inspire

Patent or Be Damned ?

protecting yourcompetitive position

The Innovation Centre, Bath6-9pm, 23 March 2010

sponsored by and

supported by

Practicalities

• Phones off

• Emergency exits

This evening’s programme6:45-8:15 Speakers

1 Introduction Martin Coulthard

BEN

2 Are patents right for you?

Dr Gillian Whitfield

Astrum IP

3 Finding the right strategic balance – an entrepreneur’s view

Bruce Brain Vysiion

4 Patents - do they really work for smaller tech businesses?

AndrewAllan-Jones

Bond Pearce

5 An investor’s perspective on IP

Martin Rowland Lloyds Development Capital

8:15-8:30 Q&A

8:30-9:00 More networking

IP or strategy?

• patents

• trademarks

• copyright

• designs

• secrecy (know how)

• sticky/lock-in products

• continual improvement

• brand

• control of routes to market

• great products and service!

finding the right mix for your business

reality vs perception

• discovering infringement

• taking infringement action (especially overseas)

• ability to license

• time and cost

• may discourage competitors from copying

• or enable them to do so!

• may impress customers and partners

• and tick a box for investors

7

Reminder of upcoming BEN events

book now at

www.bristolenterprise.com

1. 1/4/10 Workshop: Every Business Owns IP9-12:30 Bristol, led by Intellectual Property Office

2. 15/4/10 Workshop: Developing an IP Strategy4-6pm Bath, led by Gillian Whitfield, Astrum-IP

3. 20/4/10 Networking: Think Small –6-9pm nanotechnology and optical quantum

computing