Launch of PATLIB Cymru in Mid Wales

World Intellectual Property Day will be celebrated in Aberystwyth on April 26 with a training course run by PATLIB Cymru for local companies wishing to learn more about how to identify, protect and exploit their Intellectual Property Rights. PATLIB Cymru is the Welsh Government's Intellectual Property Information Centre, part of the Europe-wide PATLIB network.

During the day a new PATLIB Cymru Outreach Centre will be launched as the Welsh Government and the National Library of Wales join forces to offer a PATLIB service in Mid Wales.

The first PATLIB Cymru centre was opened last year at Llandudno Junction and the new outreach centre in Mid Wales will support the work of this centre and help make the most of Welsh ideas.

Edwina Hart AM, Minister for Business , Enterprise, Technology and Science said:

"This is an important project and will promote Welsh ideas and ensure that businesses and inventors have guidance to support them.

"By working together the National Library and the Welsh Government can offer a valuable service in mid Wales. I hope now that individuals and businesses will take advantage of this service and access the support and guidance available to them."

Monthly surgeries will be held at Y Bont, The Welsh Government's public area in Aberystwyth, and the National Library of Wales. The first surgery will be held on 10 May 2012 at the national Library. Further sessions will be held at Y Bont on 7 June and another at the National Library on 5 July 2012.

Andrew Green, National Librarian of Wales added:

"Intellectual Property is complicated and costly but very important to innovation and growth in Wales. Businesses will now be able to turn to this service for help and guidance and we look forward to hosting the first IP Surgery at the National Library on 10 May."

The new outreach centre will provide access to Intellectual Property information and offers:

• A free enquiry service


• Access to free online IP databases


• Literature on various aspects of Intellectual Property


• Guidance on patent searching for those who are unsure where to start

PATLIB Cymru is part of the european Funded Business Innovation Project. If you are interested in attending the training day on April 26 at the Welsh Government Office in Aberystwyth, please register by contacting the Welsh Government Business Information Helpline on 03000 6 03000 or by emailing: businesssupport@wales.gsi.gov.uk

PATLIB Conference Manchester 2012

This years PATLIB conference is being held in Manchester from 30th May - 1st June 2012 and is a networking event for PATLIBs. The programme has been compiled with the aim of addressing issues that PATLIBs face in their daily work; delivering services beyond Patent Information, acquiring the right tools, and running a PATLIB centre successfully.

At PATLIB 2012 you will hear speakers from PATLIB centres throughout Europe who will share their best practices and experiences.

Registration is now open