BS 8538:2011

This standard BS 8538:2011 Specification for the provision of services relating to the commercialization of intellectual property rights is classified in these ICS categories:

• 03.140 Patents. Intellectual property

This British Standard specifies requirements for the provision of services to the originators of intellectual property with a view to their commercialization.

It specifies principles for the ethical behaviour of the service provider relating to:

1. integrity and competence;

2. transparency regarding fees, costs and finances;

3. confidentiality and the disclosure of information;

4. the declaration of interests and conflicts; and

5. complaints handling.

It also specifies a process for service provision, covering:

1. initial engagement with the originator;

2. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs);

3. evaluation of the originator’s idea; and

4. commercial agreements for the provision of advice and/or services.