Medtech companies in the region can now benefit from a new cost-effective package of intellectual property (IP) services just launched.

Health Enterprise East (HEE) is introducing Xseed™, a flexible range of consultancy services designed specifically to help SMEs and inventors with their product development.

The team behind Xseed™ has in-depth IP knowledge and experience, as well as NHS know-how and key contacts for clinical input.

Using sophisticated software and with access to up-to-the-minute databases, the team can offer companies help from the early product development stage and protection of the idea, through to market analysis and identifying any existing patents that may affect success.

Assistance with the completion of patent applications and fast-tracking is also available.

Robert Donald at HEE said: “Our work with medtech businesses has shown that spending on expensive IP services is often impossible at the early stage of product development.

“Through “Xseed™ we are offering a bespoke, cost-effective range of services enabling businesses to select the areas where they most need help.”

The Xseed™ package includes: Prior Art Patent Reports which assess the patentability of an innovation and identify the freedom to operate, competitors and potential licensees; Competitor Filing Profiles which provide a breakdown of competitor patents relating to products yet to be launched; Patent Monitoring Service reporting on any newly published third party patent documentation in relevant market areas and Xseed™ Review Process which delivers a cost-effective initial review of potential technology developments and help with facilitating patent applications  including obtaining preferential rates.