As we head into 2020, there’s a lot that can keep small-business owners up at night, including the protection of their intellectual property. If you’re a startup conducting business internationally, there are several things you need to understand about the U.K.’s departure from the European Union (the event known as Brexit) to ensure your brand is safe. First, there will be no change in the basics of patent laws in the U.K. So, a company with a European patent from the European Patent Office will have protection in the U.K. However, it does complicate the plans for the European Union’s (EU) Unified Patent Court. The court, if implemented, would enforce patents across Europe regardless of country jurisdiction. Now, without the support of the U.K., the future of internationally accepted patent protections is murky at best. IS YOUR INTELLECTU PROPERTY SAFE? Keeping Your Brand Safe in 2020
As an entrepreneur, starting your own business and chasing your dreams is an exciting prospect. But as you begin your small-business journey, questions involving costs, sales, and distribution will fill your head, and their answers often require time-consuming
research that might feel discouraging. It may seem like you have to build everything on your own, but luckily, there are communities all over the country for aspiring entrepreneurs to come together and help each other achieve success. They’re called makerspaces, and there is probably one located near you!
Makerspaces are community workshops where creative minds and entrepreneurs can build products that may never see the light of day otherwise. They exist in a variety of environments, including stand- alone offices and shared spaces inside libraries and schools. They provide access to a wide range of resources, including power tools, sewing machines, 3D printers, and so much more. In addition to equipment, most makerspaces host classes, like the basics of welding or bookkeeping, for tradespeople and entrepreneurs alike. Makerspaces also act as hubs for collaboration. Do you need an engineer to guide the design of your product? How about a graphic designer to brainstorm with about your logo? You’ll likely find them in makerspaces because these communities support passionate people from a variety of backgrounds. In addition to resources and know-how, members can use the space to build prototypes at a fraction of what their development would typically cost. In an interview with NPR, Mark Hatch, author of “The Maker Movement Manifesto: Rules for Innovation in the New World of Crafters, Hackers, and Tinkerers,” said, “When you move the cost of entrepreneurship from $100,000 to $2,000–$4,000, you completely change the operating terrain for entrepreneurs and inventors.”
Furthermore, it’s crucial to note that the U.K. is opting not to incorporate a new copyright law already adopted by the EU. This directive makes sites like YouTube liable for copyright infringement when users upload copyrighted material. Additionally, it forces news aggregators like Google to pay for articles they recommend or share. Now, it’s unclear whether the violators of these laws residing in the U.K. will see repercussions.
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While membership costs to makerspaces generally range from $40–$175 per month, the price is well worth the investment. And if you find one in your local public library, membership may even be included with your library membership. If you’re struggling to start your business, know that you’re not alone. With the support and collaboration you can find in a makerspace, you can make your dreams a reality. To find a space near you, visit Makerspaces.Make.co. Did you know that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) introduced a pilot program that expands outreach to inventors who would like to file a patent application without the assistance of a registered patent attorney? This type of filing is called “pro se” filing. The USPTO recognizes that many inventors are unable to afford to hire a registered patent attorney, so the Pro Se Assistance Program is available to help people protect their intellectual property without an attorney. For more information about the program, go to USPTO.gov and click “Learning & Resources,” then “Inventors & Entrepreneurs.” Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Pro Se.”
The same two vowels have been plucked from these three related words. Can you put the words back together?
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