Intellectual property specialists at Cornish law firm, Stephens Scown, are reporting a growing number of Cornish businesses are turning to trade mark registration in order to protect their brands.
Research has shown that of the 25,000 UK trade marks registered in 2011, 2,047 were in the south west, an increase of 6% on the previous year, with the number of filings also increasing by 14%
Firms with trade marks are said to be 21% more productive, and those who regularly trade mark have 20% larger workforces. Figures also highlight the importance of small and medium sized businesses in protecting their brands.
Ben Travers, head of intellectual property and IT at Stephens Scown, explained: “Cornwall has some great brands across a range of sectors – we have some of the finest food and drink in the world, a thriving creative industry, the region has been at the forefront of renewable energy and has for many years been a top tourist destination.
“For these businesses their brand is often one of their most valuable assets and we are seeing an increase in businesses looking to protect this asset.”
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