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New ideas - United Kingdom

Updated 03/2011

Legal requirements

The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 is the central piece of legislation dealing with innovation and inventions.

Alongside innovation, access to R&D is essential for businesses to develop and stay competitive.

Intellectual property must be protected to encourage innovation.

Programmes

The UK government encourages innovation and research and development (R&D) projects among businesses. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is the government department with primary responsibility in this area.

Information on government funding schemes available for innovation is provided on the Business Link website. It also informs on external funding such as loans or equity finance available for businesses seeking to invest in innovation.

Businesses investing in innovation usually conduct R&D activities and can search for business support through Business Link's Grants and Support Directory.

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

  • References

    Legal texts

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Still need help?

Enterprise Europe Network - Contact points

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local contact points. 

Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

Business Link is the one-stop shop for business advice in the UK. It gives advice on planning for innovation and creating the right business environment to develop your ideas.

UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) helps businesses establish themselves in UK.