Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, what steps he has taken to encourage the development of intellectual property in (a) Brighton, Kemptown and (b) Brighton and Hove; and if he will make a statement.

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) provides support and information on how to make the most of all forms of intellectual property (IP) to businesses on a national basis. In 2013 the IPO launched IP for Business, a set of online training tools and advice to help businesses understand IP and how it can be used within a business to generate revenue. The IPO also funds 300 IP audits, targeted through partners at high growth businesses across the UK. Over the last year the IPO has spoken to 18000 people through seminars, workshops and events; since October 2013, 276 businesses have benefited from face-to-face information and support from the IPO at seven events in the Brighton area – including Brighton, Lewes, Crawley and Bognor Regis. In addition, the IPO has a national consumer's campaign focussing on awareness raising and encouraging respect of IP.