The Government recently confirmed that a new small claims service is to be launched at the Patents County Court (PCC), therefore, assisting small to medium sized businesses protect their intellectual property rights. The court will place a limit on fixed costs and permit damages of up to £5000 to be awarded per case.
The recommendation for a small claims service was made in the Hargreaves Review of Intellectual Property and Growth. This recommendation is particularly important for colleges and universities involved in research (as well as innovative new business ideas for the future) and is intended to remove obstructions in the patent process which hinder innovation and the commercialisation of new technology. Further details on the new scheme can be found on the IPO's website at http://www.ipo.gov.uk/about/press/press-release/press-release-2011/press-release-20111115.htm
For more details on the potential impact of the Hargreaves Review on FE and HE see JISC Legal's own guidance.