Use intellectual property to grow your business

Intellectual property (IP) is a valuable business asset. Knowing how to protect and use it can help you reduce risk and grow your business. A range of UK organisations can support you with IP advice, training and tools.

Get support in the UK and Northern Ireland

If your business is based in Northern Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland (Invest NI) can provide technical advice on protecting and managing your IP.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) offers online guidance, events, training and specialist courses for businesses. Its free IP Health Check tool helps you review what IP you own, how to protect it and how to use it more effectively. After answering a short set of questions, you receive a tailored report with suggested actions and links to further guidance.

Use the IPO Health Check and see their other online support tools.

International IP support

If you operate across borders, you can also access wider support. The European IPR Helpdesk provides guidance for EU-funded research and innovation projects, as well as SMEs involved in transnational partnership agreements. The European Patent Office also provides support and information for businesses developing and commercialising inventions.

For global guidance and practical tools, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) offers international IP resources for businesses, including support for innovation, commercialisation and IP management. Its services include global databases, training resources and guidance on protecting and using IP across multiple countries.

Why this support matters

Using IP advice and tools can help you protect your business assets, reduce legal and commercial risks, make informed decisions about using your IP and maximise its commercial value.