Equip Yourself With IP Knowledge

Use IP Equip to manage and protect your intellectual property

You might often hear the term intellectual property (IP) thrown about and wonder what it refers to. Maybe you know it relates to inventions but are unsure of what else it covers? Or perhaps you’re aware of copyright but not confident that you can identify copyrighted materials?

In order to help you answer these questions and many more, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has designed IP Equip – a new online learning tool that can help you understand the basics of IP. The tool is free to complete and can be accessed via desktops, tablets and smart phones.

Who is IP Equip for?

Whether you’re an SME starting out, a mature business or a seasoned professional, IP Equip should be your starting point. The tool can be helpful to:

  • SMEs – Professional IP advice can be costly. IP Equip contains advice straight from the professionals and is available for free. It is an easy way to gain a basic understanding of IP rights from the comfort of your own office.
  • Business advisors – Advising businesses (regardless of the size or industry) will always involve discussing IP in some form. If you feel you need to develop your understanding to allow you to better inform your clients, this is the place to start.
  • Accountants – When dealing with the financial aspects of a business/client, are you aware of the value of IP and the potential costs and benefits it can have? This course will give you an insight into how to help them manage their IP assets.
  • Legal professionals – Unfortunately, not all those in the legal profession are fully qualified IP advisors. This short course is the perfect opportunity to brush up on the basics of IP in order to better understand and protect your client’s needs and interests.
  • Entrepreneurs – If you’re starting out on your own, this is the perfect place to begin, helping you grasp the basics of IP and understand the rights that will have an impact on your current and future business.

What does IP Equip include?

IP Equip consists of four online modules – one on each of the four main IP. These are:

  • trade marks – find out how IP can help grow your business by protecting your name or brand
  • patent – learn how patent protection can help you achieve a market advantage
  • design – if exclusivity in design is important, this module will give you information on protection
  • copyright – understand how copyright protects your creative works

The course is CPD accredited and is a part of ‘IP for Business’ – a range of online business tools produced by the IPO to help you understand and protect your IP.

You can access IP Equip on the IPO website. Alternatively, find more information about IP business tools on the IPO website.