Intellectual property

Intellectual property – which includes copyright, designs, trade marks and patents – is an important field for businesses and economic development in general. It is also relevant to many aspects of the Library’s work and, although we are unable to offer legal advice, we are eager to raise awareness of intellectual property within Wales.

There is a PATLIB Outreach Centre based in Aberystwyth which is hosted jointly by the National Library and Ardal Y Bont (the Welsh Government Office). This centre offers:

• A free enquiries service;
• Access to free online IP databases;
• Literature on various aspects of Intellectual Property;
• Guidance on patent searching for those who are unsure where to start (subject to staff availability)

The Centre has also held clinics with specialists and if you would like us to put you in contact with an individual who specialises in the field, please contact us by completing the Online Enquiries Form.

More information can be found on the PATLIB UK website.

The model has also been adopted in other parts of Europe.

More information on intellectual property can be found on the Intellectual Property Office website.