Our Business & IP resources

We hold one of the most comprehensive collections of business and intellectual property (IP) information in the UK, all of which are available via the Reading Room in the Business & IP Centre in London.

Quick links:

• Business information
• Intellectual property information
• Find out more about all of the Library’s collections
• Do you need help?

Business information:

• Online databases - some 30 high-value subscription databases (which we make available for free) giving up-to-the minute company, business and industry information and financial news.
  • Advice & Funding Sources
  • Market research
  • Company data
  • Business news and journals
  • Business & Economic Statistics
    
    
• Search our Business Information Catalogue of printed publications including market research reports, journals for company news, competitor information and industry trends and UK and overseas directories giving company information on suppliers.
  
  
• Search for company annual reports held in UK libraries using the SCoRe database.

Intellectual property information:

Intellectual property and its development can be a complex subject, particularly for individuals and small companies. The information in the Centre can help you get to grips with protecting and exploiting your ideas.

• Intellectual property online databases - searchable databases listing patents, trade marks and registered designs, such as Derwent Innovations Index, Esp@cenet and Optics.
• The British Library patents, trade marks and registered designs collections and services
• Patent and other links
• Trade mark resources
• Registered design databases

Find out more about all the Library’s collections:

• See a full list of e-resources available in the Library
  
• Search the Integrated Catalogue of the entire Library’s printed book and journal collections.

Do you need help?

• Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
  
  
• Ask a member of staff in the Reading Room or contact us.
  
  
• Attend a one-to-one business & IP information clinic with a British Library expert to gain help on finding the resources you need.
  
  
• Sign up for a workshop or event.
  
  
• Get us to do the hard work for you through our paid Research Service.
  
  
• Read our free industry information guides Consult over 30 guides, compiled by our information specialists, detailing printed and internet sources. Use them to quickly find sources of market and company information on your chosen industry sector.
  
  
• Read our information sources guide for starting a business to help you find resources on general start-up advice, finance, business planning and legal issues.
  
  
• Complete a free e-course on intellectual property to get an understanding of IP, learn how to search patent databases and find out if there is a market for your idea.