Publication

Research Report

Attitudinal and behavioural influences on small firms’ engagement with intellectual property protection

Published: 28 March 2023

ERC Research Report

Author

ERC

This research is based on in-depth interviews with a group of 15 small firms which have had recent access to intellectual property (IP) related diagnostic and planning support (specifically the Intellectual Property Office’s (IPO) IP Audit and IP Access schemes), and a closely matched group of small firms which did not have access to such IP related support. We considered two key questions: Are IPO supported firms more aware of the applicability of IP instruments to their business or their potential value? And, are they more confident in implementing IP Protection (IPP) mechanisms? This research suggests the answer to both of these questions is ‘yes’, particularly regarding the confidence with which supported firms are pursuing their IPP strategies and particularly where respondents had less personal, previous experience with IPP.

Downloads

Download Full Paper