The Provision of Intellectual Property Services

Tender description

Intellectual Property Services: - Manage patent and trademark portfolio – help us keep track of key events and maintain our portfolio of patents - Renew existing patents and trademarks– ensuring that all patents and trademarks are renewed in a timely manner and no unplanned lapses occur - Advise and assist in the filing and granting of new patents and trademarks (for example arranging local power of attorney as needed for global patents) - Advise and defend patent or trademark infringements – ensure we are made aware of infringements and advise best course of action - Act on our behalf where required with pre-agreed scope of activities where agent can act autonomously (for example renewals) Domain Watching Services: - Identify new domains, changes in status or expiration of existing domains - Validate any new domains identified and the level of risk this poses to UU - Advise in regards to next steps of investigation where a breach of infringement has been identified Lot 1: The services required should cover a full range of IP portfolio management and support services, including in relation to patents, trademarks and domain watching services. IP Services to include the following: – Strategic input on IP management of UU’s portfolio of patents and trademarks – Assist UU in maximising the use of granted patents – Offer expert advice in valuing patents and potential IP opportunities – Give expert advice to UU in securing effective protection of our brand, trademarks and existing patents – Aid with the registration/prosecution of UU patents and trademarks – Facilitate IP awareness training via workshops/online tools to educate and raise awareness of the importance of IP – Provision of alerts relating to general changes to law and practice relevant to IP portfolio management Domain Watching or Monitoring Services which will provide the service: - To proactively warn, inform and help validate the registration on new domains or trademarks, changes in status or expiration of existing domains. - The service should identify newly registered domain that are similar to those already owned by United Utilities, as an early warning of potential fraudulent activity and cybersquatting. - Provide expert advice in regards to the level of risk infringements identified pose and recommend next steps and investigations