Search results
Protecting registered trade marks
How to protect you registered trade marks against misuse, counterfeiting and other infringement
How to search for trade marks
Carry out a trade mark clearance search to check the availability of a mark, or discover marks that are already in use
Search for existing patents
How to carry out patent searches to find prior patents and ensure that you do not infringe the patent rights of another person or business
How to apply for a patent
Overview of the UK patent application process and step-by-step guidance on how to prepare patent application documents and apply to the UK Intellectual Property Office
Patent protection and enforcement
How to protect your patents from infringement and unlawful use, and your options for resolving patent disputes in and out of court
How to license a patent
How to license a patent and grant the right to another person or business to use your patent, and what benefits you can gain from it
What is a patent?
What are patents, how do they protect your inventions and how can you use patent rights to benefit your business
Can I patent my idea or invention?
You may be able to get a patent if your idea or invention meets the criteria for a patent - to qualify it must be new, inventive and industrially applicable
Advantages and disadvantages of getting a patent
Consider the benefits of patents, as well as possible difficulties patenting may cause, before taking your ideas public
Innovation and R&D
Guidance on intellectual property, innovation and research and development, and financing business R&D in Northern Ireland
Structuring a board of directors
How to best structure a board of directors with responsibility for key areas of the business
Eureka Network
Information on the world's biggest public network for international cooperation in research, development and innovation
Fire safety and building work
Taking into account building regulations requirements for fire safety when building, extending or materially altering your business premises.
Core skills all businesses require
Core skills your business needs to function successfully in areas including leadership, finance, and personnel.
Pension planning for business owners
How pensions work, the basic state pension, stakeholder pensions and choosing a personal pension scheme.
Foundation degrees - benefits for your business
Foundation degrees can help to improve your employees' skills and their contribution to your business.
Find out more about Foundation degrees
If you think that Foundation degrees are for you or for your employees, then there are a number of options available to find out more.
Acquire assets and borrow money tax efficiently
Tax efficient methods of borrowing and how they can apply to your business.
Avoid the problems of overtrading
How expanding businesses can match production and order cycles using gearing, working capital or quick ratio tests.
Recovering assets of a dissolved company
Basics of recovering dissolved company assets and the role of the Crown Solicitor for Northern Ireland.