The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) is hosting the Microsoft-sponsored event at the Sheraton Hotel on January 22nd.

Among the speakers are a UKIPO representative, patent and trademark lawyers, and a business entrepreneur with first-hand knowledge of patents.

WOULD-BE inventors can get information on patents, trade marks and new design laws at an event in the Capital.

The latest statistics show that 489 patent applications were filed in 2006 in Edinburgh, making it one of the UK's most inventive cities.

Among the speakers at next week's conference will be housewife Tanya Ewing, who has come up with a home energy monitoring device.

"If you have a good idea, take it further otherwise you may always regret not knowing what might have been." she said. "Protecting my invention was crucial to the success of my product."

The event at the Sheraton Hotel in Festival Square on Tuesday 22nd January has been organised by the UK Intellectual Property Office in partnership with Microsoft.

Raymond O'Hare, director for Microsoft in Scotland, said: "Intellectual property is vital for economic growth and development and that's especially true here in Scotland, where a new wave of entrepreneurs is building innovative and valuable businesses."

Entry is free but places are limited. Book in advance by contacting events@ipo.gov.uk

IP Awareness Seminar - Edinburgh

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