IP information

Intellectual property (IP) information

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 trade mark? (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.

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

Need some help?

Free e-courses: Online courses on intellectual property to help you learn about the basics of IP protection, search databases to find out if your idea is original and if there is a commercial market for it.

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