The programme will offer intellectual property and technology professionals, and all those with an interest in commercialising IP, the opportunity to hear some Scottish IP success stories in person and to rebuild and grow professional connections and networks following the Covid pandemic.

It will combine education through seminars and panel discussions – on topics ranging from IP’s role in ESG, the protection of great Scottish brands in the UK and globally, and the use of technology to capture and manage IP – with networking and social opportunities. The events are open to anyone interested in intellectual property or technology, whether they work in industry, academia, or professional services.

The first event is being hosted by Trustpilot, a new LES member, in its office at 10 George Street, Edinburgh on Thursday 23 February, at which some of the Trustpilot team (Anoop Joshi, Graeme Di Rollo and Max Sjoblom) will discuss their brand story and the challenges they face in protecting the Trustpilot brand.

Mark Cruickshank, managing IP legal counsel at NatWest Group and a board member of LES, said: “There have been limited opportunities for Scotland’s vibrant intellectual property community to get together in recent years. It’s been particularly difficult for those that entered the world of work during and in the aftermath of the pandemic, who have been building their networks through a screen. Convenient as that is, it cannot replicate the strength of relationships that are developed face to face.

“Our aim for this programme of in-person events is to educate, as well as provide an opportunity for those involved in or connected to the IP and tech communities to gather, network, and share experiences and best practice.

“We look forward to meeting new colleagues and catching up with old ones from across the sector over the course of the year.”

Register here