Do you have a good idea, invention or novel technology that you wish to commercialise?

On Tuesday, 8th September, ideas21, in partnership with the British Library, presents a practical one day seminar designed to improve your understanding of the key elements to be considered in turning your idea into a business. There will also be plenty of opportunity for discussions and networking during lunch.

Mark Sheahan, the British Library's Inventor in Residence, will be facilitating the day and speakers will cover the following topics:

10.30am Registration and introduction

Making a prototype & designing a finished product

A business will be short-lived if it is built around an invention that doesn't work or which does not meet a customer's needs or expectations. Making a prototype will ensure that an idea actually works and identifies technical problems. Design is often seen as an afterthought but it is the vital process between invention and manufacturing. This session will give sound design management techniques to ensure consideration is given to a range of issues including; manufacturing costs, materials optimisation, functionality, ergonomics and aesthetics.

Protecting your ideas

It is important that individuals and small businesses developing innovative products can protect themselves from copyists and imitators. Intellectual property rights, such as patents, trade marks and registered designs, can provide this protection. This session provides advice on the intellectual property rights that will best protect your business and how to obtain them.

1.00pm Networking lunch

Creating value from innovation

ntellectual Property can be successfully exploited through licensing. A licence is a contractual agreement to specify what the licensee is permitted to do and the terms and conditions applying. This will usually include any royalties and/or an amount of any payment to be paid to the licensor (the IP owner). There are numerous pitfalls for the unwary to be found in the detailed operational rules that form part of many licence contracts. This session will advise on the basic understanding of what licensing entails.

3.30pm Coffee break

Starting a business & attracting investment

Whether your goal is simply to license your idea and let someone else worry about the product development and commercialisation, or you want to build your own business, this session will provide the basic guidance to help you get started and attract investment to provide the working capital for your business as it grows.

4.30pm Close

This event is free to attend but spaces are limited.  Click Here to book your place