Making Your IP Work For You: Practical Insights for Startups and Innovators
A hands‑on IP workshop for startups and innovators with clear guidance, real case studies and optional one‑to‑one sessions.
As a KQ CLICK partner, Marks & Clerk is delighted to host a practical, interactive IP session at CENTRAL TECH, Liverpool, designed specifically for the diverse and growing innovation community across the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool innovation district and within Sciontec's innovation centres.
Whether you're a startup founder shaping your first commercial strategy, a university spin‑out preparing for investment, or an established business navigating IP decisions in a shifting global economy, this session will help you understand how to make your intellectual property work for you.
The morning will focus on clear, relatable guidance, real‑world examples, and the essential “what to do — and what not to do” when it comes to IP. The afternoon will offer optional one‑to‑one slots with Marks & Clerk specialists for tailored advice.
Why Attend?
This event is for businesses and innovators at all stages, from early‑stage founders to established companies. You’ll get:
- Practical, jargon‑free explanations of key IP concepts
- Guidance on how IP supports fundraising, commercialisation and scaling
- Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
- Real case studies showing what successful businesses did right — and where others went wrong
- Optional one‑to‑one discussions with patent, trade mark and commercial experts
Morning Session (10:00 – 12:00)
Informal, engaging talks featuring:
- How to make your IP work for you
- Different types of IP right and filing strategies
- Getting your business “investment ready” from an IP and contract perspective
- War stories and object lessons
- Developing your technology – licensing in, in-house development and collaborations
- Commercialisation pathways — licensing, distribution, agency, direct sales
Afternoon Session (12:30 – 16:00)
Optional one‑to‑one advisory sessions
Attendees will be able to sign up for short, focused discussions with our specialists to talk through their specific questions. Members of Marks & Clerk’s growth teams (including life sciences and software/AI specialists) will also be available.
Who Should Attend?
- Startups and SMEs
- University spin‑outs
- Founders preparing to raise investment
- Innovators working in software, AI, life sciences, engineering, digital and creative industries
- Any business looking to better understand how to leverage and protect their ideas
No prior IP knowledge is required.
Our speakers
Aimee has over 20 years of experience in drafting, filing and prosecuting UK, European and International patent applications for a range of clients from start-ups and SMEs to universities and their spin-outs to listed companies, and is readily able to understand and work with their differing business needs.
Mike is experienced in all aspects of trade mark, copyright and design work, including the filing and prosecution of UK, overseas and international trade mark and registered design applications, and advising on availability and conflicts.
Simon specialises as a commercial contract lawyer for technology companies. He advises on a wide range of contracts, including licenses, R&D collaborations, manufacturing agreements and procurement documentation.
Central Tech, 31 Russell St, Liverpool L3 5LJ
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Making Your IP Work For You: Practical Insights for Startups and Innovators
A hands‑on IP workshop for startups and innovators with clear guidance, real case studies and optional one‑to‑one sessions.
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