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
Eureka Network
Information on the world's biggest public network for international cooperation in research, development and innovation
Transport goods in and out of the UK using vans or car and trailers
New rules for transporting goods to or through Europe using cars and trailers, vans and HGVs from 2022 onwards
Standard International operator's licence for road haulage
Guidelines on the requirement to hold a Standard International operator's licence and how to apply for one.
Funding for design projects
Find funding support for your design project to help improve processes, products or services
ECMT international road haulage permits
Permits you'll need to drive goods vehicles to or through ECMT member countries and the rules you have to follow
Bilateral road haulage permits for some non-EU countries
Permits to travel to or through Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Russia, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine
UK Licence for the Community
Licence needed to make international journeys for hire or reward within the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland
Declare you’re transporting goods inside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway
Posting declarations when your drivers transport goods between 2 points in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway
ECMT international removal permits
Permits for companies moving household goods and business possessions between or across the 43 ECMT countries
Use innovation in your business
Guidance on using innovation in manufacturing and business operations, and the benefits of using artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0 technologies and open data in business