Are you aware of IPEuropAware?

Until today, the IPKat was not aware that there was a European-wide effort aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) protect their intellectual property, and certainly had no idea that such a thing might be based in Alicante.  The existence of the (rather clunkily-named) IPEuropAware was, however, brought to his attention by this announcement from the UK IPO dated today (26 January).  The announcement says in part,

"IPeuropAware is holding its next [Implying that there have been previous ones?] free intellectual property rights event for SMEs on Wednesday 27 January 2010 at Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium. 

The event aims to ensure local businesses recognise the value and importance of IP, and are aware of the help that is available to protect them. The day will focus in particular on the textiles, clothing, footwear and leather industries. 

All attendees will receive a new guide; tailored to these industries is packed full of information about IP and how businesses can enforce their rights. 

A new website, ‘InnovAccess’ will also be launched, providing free up to date information and support on all important IP matters for SMEs in Europe."

The IP minister, David Lammy, excitedly states that the event provides the perfect platform to give SMEs access to free, local and expert advice on intellectual property and how they can exploit their assets and creativity. Mr Lammy thinks it’s great to know that this opportunity is available to people and that they are being shown how to use their statutory rights to benefit their business, their customers and the economy.

The IPKat tends to agree, but wonders how many SMEs will be able to respond to the announcement and get themselves to Old Trafford by tomorrow. He also wonders if any patent attorneys will be there, but suspects that they might have been left out of this particular loop.

More exciting (to some) things happening at Old Trafford here and here.