UK IP Office unveils new research programme

The programme, in which the UK Intellectual Property Office will work with partners elsewhere in Europe and in the US, includes an assessment of the role intellectual property plays in the knowledge economy and an analysis of data on levels of investment in copyright and design.

There will also be an assessment of the returns UK businesses receive from patents and a look at firms using alternatives to patents to protect innovation.

The IPO has developed this research programme building on the work of the Strategic Advisory Board for Intellectual Property Policy, which the incoming coalition government dissolved in July.

Judith Wilcox, minister with responsibility or intellectual property said, “IP has a key role to play in rebalancing the British economy. The highly-skilled industries where the UK can excel are driven by innovation. The research programme will improve our understanding of intellectual property and its economic value.”