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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
Rules on advertising credit
The rules governing advertisement for credit or hire facilities including providing clear, easily understood information and a representative example.
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
Core skills all businesses require
Core skills your business needs to function successfully in areas including leadership, finance, and personnel.
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.
Consumer credit rules for businesses that hire out or lease goods
An introduction to how consumer credit rules affect businesses that hire or lease goods including providing a written hire agreement stating the consumer’s rights.
Skills and training for directors and owners
The key skills needed by business owners and directors and how these skills can be developed.
Does my business need a consumer credit licence?
If you sell on credit, lend money, issue credit cards, collect debts or give debt advice, you may need a consumer credit licence to operate.
How to apply for a consumer credit licence
You can apply for consumer credit licensing from the Financial Conduct Authority who will assess your fitness on factors such as competence and past offences.
Skills required by growing businesses
How the complexity and variety of skills your business needs to access increase as your business grows.
Building a management team
Key considerations when building an effective management team for your business.
Funding for design projects
Find funding support for your design project to help improve processes, products or services