Investment in IP in the UK keeps growing.

Among the main findings of the reports are • Investment in UK businesses covered by intellectual property rights is worth at least £65 billion per year • Knowledge investment in rights protected by patents, trademarks, design and copyright has more than doubled since 1990 • Over the last ten years business growth from intellectual property investment has been bigger than that of business investment in their fixed capital (for example, hardware, office material and general business spending, but excluding computers) Commenting on the reports, during a visit to Nottingham, Baroness Wilcox (Minister for Intellectual Property) said "Businesses who decide not to protect their intellectual assets are taking a huge financial risk because they may lose any rights to their creative ideas. We would therefore always encourage companies to make an investment and make sure they gain the financial benefits they are entitled to”. Swindell and Pearson believe these trends reflect the evolution of the British economy into one which is increasingly based on ideas, knowledge and intellectual contributions.

Swindell & Pearson has been helping businesses and individuals protect and defend their ideas, innovations and brands for over 130 years. With its head office in Derby, the firm also has offices in Stoke, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Sheffield and Burton. To find out how Swindell & Pearson can help you with any intellectual property requirements please get in touch via [email protected] or by telephone on 01332 367 051.