FSB: Government IP move with Wallace and Gromit is smashing

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) today welcomed a move by the Government to assist small firms in protecting their intellectual property.

To mark World Intellectual Property Day the Government has launched two information booklets and an e-newsletter to provide support for small businesses that are creating innovative products and services. The project is also introducing IP to younger potential entrepreneurs through a competition in schools in association with Aardman Animations – the makers of Wallace and Gromit.

Mike Cherry, FSB Financial Affairs Chairman, said:

“This is a very welcome initiative by the Government. Small businesses produce sixty per cent of commercial innovations in the UK and it is vital to the country’s economic success that their ideas are supported, not stolen.

“If a small business can protect their ideas and bring them to market it will reward them for those ideas and encourage others to follow in their footsteps, safe in the knowledge that they will benefit from their innovation.

“Small firms need to know where to go to get advice and this will assist them in doing so in this key area. Getting school children involved in entrepreneurship and innovation is also essential in safeguarding the future of the UK economy. The FSB is ready to help the implementation of this excellent project nationwide.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Government’s press release on IP can be found at http://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=280659&NewsAreaID=2
2. The FSB’s press release on the Government’s IP pilot scheme can be found at http://www.fsb.org.uk/news.asp?REC=3872
3. The FSB is Britain’s biggest business organisation with over 205,000 members. It exists to protect and promote the interests of the self-employed, and all those who run their own business. More information is available at www.fsb.org.uk.