Background to the Centre

Background to the Centre

The British Library Business & IP Centre in London launched in March 2006 and supports entrepreneurs, inventors and small businesses from that first spark of inspiration to successfully launching and developing a business.

Since the launch, over 350,000 entrepreneurs have used the Centre.

The British Library Business & IP Centre is also a designated PATLIB UK centre. PATLIB UK is part of a Europe-wide network of patent information centres.

Fine out more about PATLIB UK

Watch a video about the Centre:

Our services

The Centre offers free access to the UK's most comprehensive collection of business and intellectual property databases and publications, including general startup advice, information on funding sources, market research, company data, business news and information on patents, trade marks, registered designs and copyright.

Anyone can use the British Library, all you need is a Reader Pass.

We also offer: