Making Your IP Work For You: Practical Insights for Startups and Innovators

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 (‘KQ’), Liverpool Science Park and Sciontec sites.

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.

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

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

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.

• 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.

Marks & Clerk is a leading global intellectual property law firm supporting innovators at every stage of their commercial journey. Our experts work with businesses across software, AI, engineering, life sciences, university spin‑outs and more to help protect, commercialise and maximise the value of their ideas.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Marks & Clerk