IPAN brings together organisations and individuals drawn from business, commerce, education and the IP professions in the UK, all committed to championing the importance and understanding of IP as a vital ingredient for innovation and success of businesses, large and small.
IPAN events, publications, and research activities aim to stimulate and extend debate about the role and value of IP protection in all its forms. We are constituted as a not-for-profit, membership organisation, independent of any sector lobbying group, and committed to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion in all our activities.
IPAN membership is open to organisations and individuals (including students) with an interest in helping promote understanding of the value of IP to society. It currently includes those who use IP or depend on it in their business or profession, as well as IP educators, IP experts and economists, forming a unique, independent think-tank on IP awareness matters. The diverse background and experience of the IPAN membership is its key strength and we are keen to develop this further.
Find out more about IPAN here, becoming a member here, upcoming events here.
In the spotlight…
IPAN: part-time development opportunity
IPAN is seeking a UK-based Marketing and Media Officer, responsible for developing the IPAN brand and reputational capital in line with its corporate objectives.
This is a part-time role (average 3-4 hours per week), reporting to the IPAN Chair and working closely with the Secretary and Membership Officer. An honorarium and out-of-pocket expenses will be paid. Deadline for reply to msec@ipaware.org 5pm Friday10 Feb. 2023.
Tattoos – Who owns your ink?
Webinar and Q&A on this intriguing IP Topic with Dr Paula Westenberger of Brunel Law School, Thurs, 26th Jan at 4pm Brussels (3pm London) organised by IPAN associate , the 4iP Council.
New Head of IPO – Adam Williams
On 13th Dec 2022, the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) announced the appointment of Adam Williams as its new Chief Executive and the Comptroller-General. Read more about Adam's appointment on the IPO page here.
Geographical Indications – Food for thought?
The IPAN network meeting on 17th Nov 2022 (held at CIPA’s Holborn offices after IPAN’s 11th AGM), explored aspects of Geographical Indication (GI) protection for food, drink and non-agricultural products such as distinctive fabric goods. Some of the commercial opportunities and challenges of obtaining effective GI protection were brought out in the presentations by our guest speakers.
UK Minister for IP
George Freeman MP was appointed on 26 October 2022 as Minister for Science, Research and Innovation with responsibility for IP within the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
IPAN AGM 17th Nov 2022
At IPAN’s 11th AGM, held in person and by video-link in London on 17th Nov 2022, Dr Bola Olabisi, Chairwoman of GlobalWIIN, was elected as a new director and Ian Wishart and Ass. Prof. Dr Janice Denoncourt, were re-elected as directors.
Education
The Group draws on the wide experience in the broad IPAN membership of how IP education (or the lack of it) affects graduate career prospects.
Business & Finance
Establishing IP value and exploiting the economic potential of IP assets remain much of a mystery to businesses, financiers and investors. This Group is working to help get IP understood as a key asset class for business growth and economic development.