IP Wales, a business support initiative operated by Swansea University, and the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) have developed the IP app tool specifically for use by SMEs.  Users of the app can find out what their IP is and how it can be used to enhance their business and will also access IP resources which can be downloaded and used offline.

Resources include access to free guides on understanding open innovation and intellectual assets, and how to restrict competitor access using IP and add value from intellectual assets (IA).

The app will also enable the user to access free presentations on IA management which can help postgraduate researchers in biotechnology, computer science and engineering.

Users of the app will also have links to the latest IPO news and tweets and is also available in a low vision version.

Director of IP Wales, Andrew Beale said: “IP Wales is delighted to have worked with the IPO to produce this new and innovative resource to help SMEs. The whole emphasis of our work here is to help SMEs to easily access free information to ensure that they understand and protect their IP, can integrate their IP strategy into their plans in order to sustain and grow their businesses through the commercial use of their IP assets.”

IP Wales is a £4m award winning business support initiative operated by the Law School at Swansea University's College of Business, Economics and Law which assists SMEs with intellectual property matters and explains the use of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, database and rights. IP Wales also offers free on-line IP guide giving firms an instant report on the IP issues they need to address and works with technology scouts to advise research and development firms about technology opportunities 

For more information about the app please see:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.gov.ipo.iposb&feature=search_result#?t=W10.

To contact IP Wales email: a.j.beale@swansea.ac.uk