Improvements pending in patent law.

Innovative SMEs are hopeful that a government review will simplify the patenting process.

In December 2010, the government launched an investigation into the Intellectual Property framework. It looked at ways of making the patenting process quicker and easier, in order to ensure innovation can happen in the UK on a regular basis.

An independent review was carried out by Ian Hargreaves, professor of journalism at Cardiff University, which made 10 recommendations for improving the framework. One of those recommendations was aimed at SMEs and individuals, who often find they are hampered by the cost and red tape associated with obtaining a patent.

With its focus on improving efficiencies, the print industry is a hotbed of innovation. But for every press giant with a huge R&D budget, there will be dozens of individuals trying to get their ideas built, not knowing how to do it and not knowing how much money they will need to achieve this goal.