Managing IP As A Business Asset

Your ideas, brand, processes and know-how may be some of the most valuable assets your business owns — but many founders only think about IP when something goes wrong.

This practical lunchtime session will help you understand how to manage intellectual property (IP) as a commercial asset, not just a legal necessity. We’ll explore how IP supports growth, differentiation, investment readiness and long-term value — without drowning you in legal jargon.

Hosted by the Somerset Innovation Hub, with insights from experts Ben Travers & Natalie Monaghan from Foot Anstey's IP practice, this session is designed to be useful, accessible and directly relevant to growing businesses.

After the session, attendees will also have the opportunity to book a free, informal drop-in chat with Foot Anstey's IP experts, to discuss their own situation and ask questions in confidence.

What we’ll cover

In this session, you’ll learn:

• What “IP as an asset” actually means in practice
• The different types of IP founders commonly overlook — and why they matter
• How IP can support growth, competitive advantage and valuation
• Common IP mistakes that can weaken a business (and how to avoid them)
• When it’s worth investing in protection — and when it isn’t (yet)
• How investors, buyers and partners really look at IP

There will be plenty of opportunity for questions, followed by optional one-to-one drop-in chats.

Free IP drop-in chats

Following the main session, attendees will be able to book a free, informal drop-in conversation with an experienced IP lawyer.

These short sessions are ideal if you want to:

• Sense-check an idea, product or brand
• Understand whether something is protectable
• Clarify ownership or risk issues
• Ask a specific IP question in a confidential setting

There’s no obligation — just a chance to get expert input tailored to your business.

Drop-in slots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once you've signed up we'll be in touch about booking a slot.

Who should attend?

This session is ideal for:

• Founders and co-founders
• Early-stage and scaling SMEs
• Innovation-led businesses
• Product, tech, creative and service-based companies
• Anyone building something they want to protect, grow or eventually exit

The Somerset Innovation Hub

Delivered by The University of Exeter, part of the world-renowned SETsquared partnership, in collaboration with Somerset Council.

The Somerset Innovation Hub aims to catalyse a vibrant digital innovation ecosystem and support scalable, high-growth businesses through structured programming, events, advisory services, and sector-specific initiatives.

This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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

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Host or Publisher Exeter Innovation Accelerator