BS 8538:2011 PDF

What is this standard about? BS 8538 provides best-practice recommendations for services that relate to the commercialization of intellectual property rights. This includes copyright, trademarks and patenting. Who is this standard for?

Investors Inventors’ clubs Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) Business Link Commercial service providers Universities specializing in invention and product design

Why should you use this standard? BS 8538 sets out the principles of ethical behaviour within organizations and defines integrity and competence. It explains how to ensure transparency of services, charges and other payments or receipts. The standard also focuses on confidentiality and the disclosure of information, as well as the declaration of interests and conflict. Other topics include complaints handling and Non-Disclosure Agreements. BS 8538 also helps investors to understand what to expect from a provider when they’re in the process of commercializing an idea.