IP information

Intellectual property (IP). Learn about Patents, Trade marks and other forms of IP

If you have an invention or idea, it’s important that you understand your intellectual property and how to exploit it. There are four main types: patents, trade marks, copyright and registered designs.

What is a patent? (pdf)

What is a trademark? (pdf)

What is copyright? (pdf)

What is a registered design? (pdf)

The Library offers a range of databases and publications to help you with your intellectual property.

Electronic databases: Search patents, trade marks, copyright and registered designs from across the world via databases such as the Derwent Innovations Index and Esp@cenet.

British Library patent and trade mark collection: Find out what documentation we hold on intellectual property, covering countries across the world.

Explore the British Library: Search the Library’s catalogue for books relating to IP.

'Inventing - What you need to know to protect and commercialise your ideas' [pdf 154KB]: An invaluable list compiled by the British Library of websites, publications and databases.

Need some help?

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One-to-one advice: Book a session with one of our business and IP experts to talk through your ideas.

Training workshops: View our events calendar to see our workshops on intellectual property.

Intellectual Property Office: The IPO's website includes detailed information on patents, trade marks, registered designs and copyright and has a range of online resources.

See all our partner organisations that specialise in IP