Reflections on the Understanding Intellectual Property (IP) workshop hosted by the Industry and Innovation team

On Friday 17 May, Health Innovation Wessex (HIW) hosted a one-day course in collaboration with the University of Southampton (UoS), focused on understanding intellectual property (IP) to create health impact.

Delegates from across the Wessex region attended to hear from speakers with a wealth of knowledge and experience in health innovation and intellectual property. 

Frank Ratcliff, Director of Industry and Innovation at HIW, introduced the day, outlining the support that HIW can offer to health and care innovators. He also explained how innovators can identify when they have IP that needs protecting, how to protect it and how to work collaboratively without disclosing it, in addition to supporting delegates to understand how to navigate the complexities involved with ownership.

Fiona Kellas and Reuben Jacob, IP attorneys from Maucher Jenkins, presented and facilitated a workshop, providing delegates with advice and support on their innovation development.

Keith Heaton, i2R medical Ltd, and Charles Opoku, UoS, also facilitated workshops, giving guidance to those who support innovators with IP on how to navigate the complex path to protection. Charles also explained the support and provisions available from the Research and Innovation Service at UoS.

Delegates were offered a first hand innovator experience from Toby King, CEO at iFAST diagnostics Ltd, who explained how he worked collaboratively and successfully navigated the road from idea to commercialisation whilst maintaining his and his team's IP.

Martin Gossling, Head of Commercial Innovation at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS), and David Bream, Professor of Innovation at UoS, provided delegates with an insight into the current health innovation work happening at both organisations.

A presentation from Christine McGrath, Managing Director of Wessex Health Partners (WHP), offered delegates the chance to learn about the current work of WHP and the opportunities for collaborative working. Christine also signposted delegates to useful resources to explore and utilise during their innovation journey.

Throughout the day, delegates were encouraged to network, connect with peers and delve further into the advice, guidance and support offered by speakers.

Feedback was overwhelming positive, with delegates recommending the course to others.  

To find out more about how we can support health and care innovators, please visit our Industry and Innovation programme page