Innovation and enterprise blog

The British Library Business & IP Centre can help you start, run and grow your business

4 posts from October 2024

31 October 2024

Happy Halloween:19th century patents to avoid being buried alive!

Today is Halloween, the spookiest day of the year, when our thoughts tend to turn to the dead and other horrors. It’s the perfect time of year, then, to discuss a fear all of us surely have: taphophobia – the fear of being buried alive. 

Putting aside the very remote possibility of falling afoul of a drugs cartel (your line of work depending), someone could be buried alive accidently if they are mistakenly presumed dead. This is not as farfetched as you may think, and a quick google search will return some very worrying news stories on the subject. 

Being accidently buried alive was probably far more likely before the advent of much of the medical technology doctors employ today, which may explain the abundance of 19th century patents on the subject in our collection. Below are a few of our favourites. 

US 81,437 of 1868 – Improved burial-case 

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This patent is for a coffin with a detachable vertical tube, which, while attached, creates a means of escape for any poor occupant not quite ready for the grave. Air inlets allow anyone alive inside the coffin to breathe freely and a sliding glass lid allows those above ground to check for movement. 

If the occupant is too weak to ascend the ladder, they can ring a bell for attention using the cord placed in their hand during burial.  

If, after a certain length of time, it is clear the occupant of the coffin is indeed dead, then the tube can be removed (closing the spring-loaded lid of the coffin) and used in another burial. 

 

US of 329,495 of 1885 – Burial-casket  

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This invention consists of two removable pieces of apparatus (an air pump and an alarm system), which are connected to a coffin buried under ground. Both are activated when a wire attached to the occupant’s hand detects movement, flooding the coffin with air and alerting those above ground to come rescue this poor soul pronto. 

The tube of the alarm apparatus also doubles as a way to view the face of the body within the coffin, by means of a lightbulb and a reflector. 

Again, when death is more certain, the above ground apparatus can be removed and used in another burial.

 

US 500,013 of 1893 – Coffin signal 

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This invention is intended to alert those above ground that someone is still alive inside a coffin, but it feels a little too easy to miss. But we’re skipping ahead. Mechanisms are placed on the body, hands, and head of the coffin's occupant, and are designed to detect the slightest movement. If movement is detected, a spring-loaded device will raise a signal above the coffin. Looking at the patent illustration, this appears to be a mop. Luckily, this also opens a passageway for air to enter the coffin, as it could be some time before someone happens to walk by. 

 

GB 4,626 of 1896 – Preserving dead bodies from decaying  

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No picture for this one (and preventing premature burial is only a side benefit), but it is one of our favourite British patent specifications, that just so happens to be perfect for Halloween, with lines such as: 

 'In fact it will lessen the horror of dying in knowing that when we die our bodies will be preserved and not be a meal for worms, insects, rats, mice and the like. Spirit will also revive the seeming dead.' 

 Anyway, one for the pickling fans out there. 


US 658,247 of 1900 – Apparatus for preventing premature burial 

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This invention is unlike the others, as it’s designed to be used pre-burial. 

It’s quite an ambitious patent really, as it describes an ‘observation chamber’ with tracks on the floor (for ease of movement of the coffins) and side rooms for a furnace and an air pump. 

In the centre of the main room sit several airtight ‘observation receptacles’ (complete with glass tops), into which the coffins are wheeled (also complete with glass tops). An air and exhaust pipe ensure a steady flow of fresh air to the potentially still alive occupant. The exhaust pipe leads to the furnace, meaning any ‘obnoxious or infectious gases’ are drawn off and burnt. 

As in other patents, an alarm system is placed inside the coffin to detect any movement. Then it’s a case of waiting. Either for the occupant waking up, or for a clearer confirmation of death. In which case the body can be buried safely. 

 

Bonus patent: US 208,672 of 1878 – Improvement in coffin-torpedoes 

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This invention is slightly off topic, but it’s being included as a bonus as it is on the theme of burial and, quite frankly, sounds bonkers. The torpedo (stay with me) is placed inside a coffin prior to burial and is designed to go off if anyone attempts to remove the body – severely injuring or killing the grave robber. Good luck with that one future archaeologists! 

It would probably also be useful for those worried about zombie resurrections as well. 

Happy Halloween! Hopefully no one reading this will wake up wishing you had one of these someday. 

 

 If you want to find out more about how the different kinds of IP can benefit your business, you can sign up to our online webinars or attend our Kickstart Your Business workshops. 

Written by Steven Campion, Subject Librarian at the British Library

24 October 2024

From Coca-Cola to KFC: uncovering a spooky intellectual property secret

Secret spells and hidden brews, tricks of the trade make treats anew. Who would have thought IP (intellectual property) could be so magical?

One type of IP is more unknown and mysterious than all the others. Its hiddenness makes it special and used in the right way can be just as powerful. It’s called a trade secret and is a type of IP protection that can be pure business alchemy.
 
What is a trade secret?
 
In a nutshell, a trade secret is confidential business information that has value. Or, to put it another way, anything secret you’ve created that you wouldn’t want to lose to a competitor! It could be something like a hidden process, recipe or even an algorithm that powers the performance of a programme. This is also known as proprietary information.

Trade secrets are different from patents in many ways, although both need to be kept confidential (for patents until the patent application is eventually filed).
 
Nearly every businesses will have some kind of commercially sensitive information, so being aware of that and understanding its value can be an important first step to protecting it. A trade secret is the thing that could really provide you with a competitive edge.

In the UK, trade secrets come under two types of law; the common law of confidentiality and information that by definition falls under the Trade Secrets (Enforcement, etc.) Regulations 2018.

Common law confidentiality arises when ‘information with the necessary quality of confidence is imparted in a situation imposing an obligation of confidence’.

You can see them both as mutually complementary with some overlap. Both aspects carry a strength, just like a two-headed hydra. Think of a witch’s brew, filled with spooky secrets and bubbling with powerful potential.
 
What are some famous trade secrets?
 
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There are so many trade secrets concealed around the world, but some are more famous than others.

Does anyone really know the secret formula for Coca-Cola? Apparently not (although it hasn’t stopped other brands from trying to work it out). In the company’s own words, ‘the formula for making Coca-Cola is a trade secret. We have protected the special taste of Coca-Cola for more than 130 years. Only the Coca-Cola Company knows how to make Coca-Cola’.

The mystique behind the Coca-Cola formula is so famous, that the company has it locked away inside a vault on display in the Coca-Cola museum, Atlanta, USA.
 
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Trade secrets are actually quite common in the food and drinks industry. Think of all those secret recipes handed down over generations. There is hidden knowledge to making the perfect chocolate brownie, malt whiskey or even a colonel’s secret fried chicken recipe made from 11 herbs and spices. KFC’s original secret recipe is what they claim makes their chicken so ‘finger lickin' good’. For both of these brands, it is magical marketing in its messaging too.

However, what if your trade secret isn’t cooking, but computing? Yes, there are plenty of secrets in technology too, especially software. Search engines such as Google (parent company Alphabet) have built an entire business model on algorithms that effectively rank information for ease of finding.

The algorithm has been developed and refined over many years of testing and trading. Recent news of a leak of an AI related trade secret have sent the company into a tailspin resulting in a criminal case been filed. Part of a secret was out.

Any leak of a highly guarded secret can bring major consequences for any company and so protecting these secrets becomes paramount. Once the witch’s secret cat is out of the bag, it’s out. Therefore, businesses will do everything to protect their secrets with the legal equivalent of an ancient curse.

Woe will to any soul who breaks the secret seal on any trade secret! The curse will come through prosecution.

How to protect your trade secret

Which raises a pressing question, how does a company or individual protect themselves from having their secrets stolen?

The answer will depend on the circumstances, and professional legal help is always advisable. Generally the secret is best protected in-house by firstly limiting exposure to a set number of individual(s) on a need to know basis only. Therefore, every company should have a confidentiality process in place backed up in employment contracts.
 
Physical and electronic security is an absolute must, depending on how the secret is kept.

Furthermore, before any sharing of a secret to a third party it is highly advisable to protect it with a non-disclosure agreement.

Trade secrets are unregistered intellectual property rights. This simply means there is no register of them or requirement for application. This is unlike patents, designs and trade marks. Controlling access to the secret is through contracts based on the law of confidentiality and specific regulations covering trade secrets.

This in some circumstances can be an advantage over patents. A patent, although initially secret will eventually be published before it can be granted to the inventor. The quid pro quo is then a monopoly on the technology or technique for twenty years. If you want to look at alternative ways to protect your process, then exploring trade secrets as a viable alternative could be the way to go.

If you’d like to find out more about the magic combination of all the different types of IP, then our Introduction to Intellectual Property workshops and webinars will do the trick.

Spook your competition and keep your trade secrets close

Your trade secret is truly a magical thing that spooks your competition. It has all the mystique you need to creates an aura of mystery in your business and spellbind your customers. They will want to keep coming back for more, hooked on the power of your hidden magic.

So this Halloween, do not be scared to find and use your business’s secret spell. The treat is always in a secret trick.
 

16 October 2024

How to set up a food business: hear from the experts this World Food Day

To celebrate World Food Day we’re spotlighting some inspirational food businesses who have been supported by BIPCs around the UK. Do you need a nudge to start your business? Or have you started but feel like you need support? You are not alone. Here are some wise words of advice from people who have been there and done it before.
 
Test your ideas and refine them before going all in
 
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"The advice I'd give to someone who wants to set up a food business would be to go for it! But remember, passion is key. You have to love what you’re doing, especially in the food industry, because it’s a lot of hard work. Get clear on your niche – whether it's a specific cuisine, style of cooking, or type of service (like catering, classes, or a product line).
 
Although passion is crucial, it needs to be paired with a solid business mindset. Start by understanding your market and see if there’s demand for what you’re offering. Be realistic about costs and pricing; passion alone won’t pay the bills! Also, start small – test your ideas and refine them before going all in. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s from mentors, fellow entrepreneurs or organizations like the BIPC. Building a strong network can help you avoid common pitfalls and grow smarter. 
 
When I started my business journey I wish I had known how unpredictable things can be. I thought I had it all mapped out, but sometimes plans change and you just have to roll with it. It’s ok to pivot and adapt to what your customers want rather than sticking too rigidly to your original vision. I also underestimated how much time would spend on the ‘other’ side of the business – admin, marketing, social media etc... I wish had been kinder to myself in the beginning. Mistakes happen, and they’re all part of the learning process! 
 
The BIPC has been a game-changer for me.
 
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t know where to begin. The BIPC offers tons of free resources, advice and workshops that are perfect for anyone starting out. They also helped me understand the legal side of things, like protecting my brand and intellectual property, which is super important. Plus, it’s a great place to connect with other entrepreneurs – you don’t feel like you’re going it alone. Honestly, if you’re starting a business, tapping into the BIPC is a no-brainer!"
 
- Suki Pantal, Founder of Suki's Curries and Spices
 
Advertisement is key
 
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"My advice would be to speak to the environmental health team before your inspection. If you contact them directly and say you are a new business and would like to know all the ins and outs of what makes a good food business, they will certainly help you. I was lucky to have one of the inspectors come to our business when we were setting up and he told me exactly what I needed to do, along with the best and most affordable options. He helped us plan the best place for our sink and what we needed to watch out for.
 
Advertisement is key. If that be having a theme, all the way down to window design. We found that two years on many people didn’t know where we are but knew where the new shops are in town. So, we have invested more into our shop window, so people know exactly what we do and where we are.
 
At the start of my business journey I wish I'd have known that I didn’t need to buy everything new. I wish I had saved thousands buying more second-hand items for my shelving and units as I am stilling paying these off two years later. This would have also been so much better for the environment.
 
The BIPC has been amazing for me. They helped me set up my business and pointed me in the right direction to get it to grow. I wouldn’t be here today with my shop if it wasn’t for the BIPC."
 
- Laura Curling, Founder of Higham Refill
 
Research your product
 
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"When setting up a food business you have to first of all research your product. Go to your local BIPC and use the resources there to look at food trends and what consumers are looking for. Look at your competitors and what their USP is. Does your product match trends?  If so, what also makes it different and stand out from your competitors? What is your USP? What is your brand about?
 
Contact and register with your local Environmental Health and Trading Standards and work out what it is you need to do in terms of food safety and labelling before you sell anything.
 
Next, work out the aims for your business and where you want to sell it. If retail is your goal make sure you are clear about what percentage the retailer needs from products, then go back and work out your prices. Take some time to test your product out at markets and events and see how sales and feedback goes. Then you can make tweaks accordingly.
 
Get good at social media, it can make a real difference to your sales. People like to get to know who is behind the brand. It is something that I constantly need to improve on!
 
At the start of my business journey I wish I knew the time it can take to get a product to market. Creating a product isn’t the hard part, it is the processes you go through to get that product to market that takes the time, so always allow much longer than you think! Also I wish I had had better business knowledge at the start of my journey in accounting, profit/loss, forecasting etc. I would recommend visiting your local BIPC and getting on as many courses that deal with the business side of things as soon as you can.
 
The support you can receive from the BIPC is amazing. From the free resources at the library, to free events, free consultations with experts and the opportunity to get funding, it really is a fantastic place for start-ups and established businesses. I have been so grateful for the support and people I have met through BIPC who are continuing to help me on my business journey."
 
- Vicky Armitage, Founder of Meraki Cacao
 
Have confidence in your ability and just do it
 
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"My advice to anyone looking to start a food business would be to ensure you really are passionate about food, then the setting up a of food business where you can bring all the aspects of your food enjoyment together could be the icing on the cake!
 
There are also many non-food related issues to consider when setting up a food business, for example legislative requirements, food hygiene and business insurances. Are you working on your own or shall you employ staff? If so, how many full time or part time and subsequent training needs. Where are your suppliers based? What is your customer base? Spend some time on market research, know the market you are entering - competitors, price and location. 
 
Talk to people, lots of people and not necessarily within the food industry. You don’t have to do it all on your own, there are lots of organisations who can help. Stay positive. Make mistakes and learn from them.
 
Time management is key. Organise yourself to carry out all the business tasks or delegate where you can. It is very easy to let your business run your life and it can become all encompassing. Plan time away from your business, time for friends, family and time for you to recharge your batteries. This is easy to say, but not always easy to put into practice.
 
What is great for anyone setting up their own business that that the BIPC service is completely free. It is accessible online and in person. I live in Glasgow, my local BIPC is located in the Mitchell Library, so it's very handy for me to visit and see the service in action. I found out the range of services of offer and enjoyed the use of their free workspace. The staff are friendly, approachable and nothing is too much trouble.
 
I borrowed some business text books and arranged a one to one session which helped explain more about my business and for me to obtain a set of information tailored to my needs. Packed full of business information, BIPC is an invaluable resource with access to a variety of networks that can assist you. A very helpful and knowledgeable service."
 
- Kirsteen Oliver, Founder of Granny Beaton’s
 
If you're thinking about starting up but aren't sure where to begin, sign up for our free Kickstart Your Business programme that offers tailored, accessible workshops and webinars to help you on your business journey. Topics covered include financing your business, researching your market and protecting your business's intellectual property. Find out more here and sign up today!

04 October 2024

How to make your business more sustainable: take your first steps this Green Libraries Week

We are proud to support a large community of businesses who put sustainability at the heart of what they do through our BIPC services, available in libraries around the UK. This Green Libraries Week we reached out to just a few of them, to find out their stories and gather tips on how you can take your first steps towards sustainability.
 
Start small but start now

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"At Poppy Eco Hub we focus on sustainability because it’s essential to reduce environmental impact without compromising business performance or finances. Every business has a responsibility to do its part, and for us that starts with building quick, green websites.
 
The digital world, while often overlooked, contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Our goal is to change that by creating energy-efficient sites that reduce carbon output. Clients benefit not only from eco-friendly websites but also from faster load times and better SEO. By optimising everything from code to hosting, we ensure sustainability doesn’t come at the cost of speed or functionality. It’s about making choices that are good for the planet and great for business.
 
The Get Ready for Business Growth programme and other BIPC services have been instrumental in our journey. The Intellectual Property and Trade Mark workshops were invaluable in helping us protect our brand as we scaled and working with BIPC Northamptonshire has connected us with grants and resources that were vital for our growth. For any business just starting out, we highly recommend getting in touch with them. The advice, support and opportunities they offer can make a huge difference.
 
Our advice to any business working towards sustainability goals is simple: start small but start now. Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin by identifying the areas of your business that have the most environmental impact, then find ways to reduce it. 
 
It’s also important to engage with experts and resources, like your local BIPC, to help you along the way. Sustainable changes not only benefit the planet but can also improve your business performance and appeal to a growing eco-conscious audience.
 
We recommend the following websites to help you on your journey:
 
Sustainable Web Manifesto – Pledge your commitment to digital sustainability, just like we have done.
Your Virtual Carbon Footprint – Data and statistics about global digital emissions.
Ecograder – How green is your website?
Website Carbon Calculator – Test your own website."

- Marie Cox and Daniel Lister, Poppy Eco Hub

Think long-term

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"At Cyclehoop we ensure that our business focuses on climate and sustainability because we see it as a key responsibility in shaping a healthier and more resilient future for cities and communities. Congestion, pollution and carbon emissions pose serious health risks in urban areas, which can all mitigated by cycling.
 
We believe that providing secure, accessible cycle parking is a crucial part of encouraging this shift. We are aiming to reach Net Zero by 2050, aligning our efforts with global climate targets and ensuring that we are actively contributing to the solution. For us, sustainability is a long-term commitment to supporting greener cities, enhancing urban mobility, and ultimately making a tangible difference in the fight against climate change.
 
It’s great to have BIPC resources readily available in shaping the development of our carbon reduction plan and environmental policy, providing key information and frameworks that can help us refine our strategies.
 
Our advice to businesses seeking to improve their sustainability is to think long-term. Start by identifying where your environmental impact is most significant and focus on reducing emissions, waste or resource use in that area. Track your yearly progress and ensure transparency both internally and externally. Leveraging partnerships is crucial to discover more sustainable ways to do business. We also definitely recommend seeking out resources like BIPC, which can provide invaluable guidance and support for businesses aiming to build sustainability into their core strategies."
 
- Anthony Lau, Founder of Cyclehoop
 
Look for partners who can help you
 
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"As a circular clothing company, the core of our business Verte is sustainability. I'm passionate about it because fashion is the third biggest contributor to carbon emissions (more than the shipping and aviation industries combined) which a lot of people aren't aware of. Once you look in to it and hear stats like that fact that a lorry's worth of used or unsold clothing is dumped in the Global South every second, I find it hard to believe you wouldn't become passionate about it. Verte is here to challenge that, encourage people to get more use out of their existing clothes and keep items in circulation for longer.
 
Sustainability is important to me because of the impact fashion is having on the planet, but also because it's only going to get worse as our consumption keeps picking up pace coupled with a growing population. Shopping is something that almost everyone does and there are very few options for ways to shop sustainably and in a nice environment. My mission is to help bring people together, build their confidence and create amazing experiences for people to shop pre-loved.
 
There is over 30 billion pounds worth of unworn clothing hanging in people's wardrobes, so I want to put it work! It's natural for us all to evolve our style, want new things, grow out of things but so much joy comes from feeling good about the clothes you wear that I want people to continue to experience this without feeling guilty or harming the planet any more.
 
The Get Ready for Business Growth programme has helped me drive the clarity I've been looking for in terms of messaging and direction for my business. It reignited my passion for what I was doing because I carved out time to step back and look at why I started the business in the first place. My mentor was brilliant and so helpful and I feel has moved me along in a way I couldn't have done alone.
 
My advice to those working towards their sustainable goals is to not give up, even though the money might be flowing in the wrong direction. There is a greater good you're working towards and if you don't try, we'll never get there. Look for partners who can help you because we can't do it all, and one of them just might be able to do the part you can't. It's ok to not be able to do everything and as the saying goes: 'we don't need a few people doing sustainability perfectly, we need millions of people doing it imperfectly'."
 
- Jessica Brunt, Founder of Verte
 
Do your research

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"Sustainability is important really to us all. We don’t want ourselves or our children growing up in a world that is getting filled with rubbish so that future generations will have to make hard sacrifices for our selfishness. We all can make better choices, and Higham Refill allows anyone to do so.
 
The BIPC has been amazing for me. They helped me set up my business and pointed me in the right direction to get it to grow. They offered me a chance to win a grant to improve it further and make us more sustainable, and when I was stuck two years later they still offered me advice and help on how to change my business model.
 
I wouldn’t be here today with my shop if it wasn’t for the BIPC.
 
My advice for becoming more sustainable would be to research. There is nothing wrong with asking for advice and guidance, whether that be from your local BIPC or other businesses within your sector. You will often find that people will generally want to help and see you grow towards a more sustainable future. I would also advise to keep an eye out for any sustainability grants available. These help tremendously towards your business becoming more sustainable."
 
- Laura Curling, Founder of Higham Refill

 You can't do it alone

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"Layrd Design are a young company that employs young designers and we feel that it is our responsibility to put the planet first and make as much of an impact as we can. We are also asked to meet ESG (environmental, social and governance) targets and show what impact our designs have on our client's carbon footprint.
 
Ensuring we are sustainable is important to us because we are aware that the construction/building industry has contributed a lot to global warming. See extract below:
 
'Buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions: 28% from operational emissions, from energy needed to heat, cool and power them, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction.' - World Green Building Council
 
We have the ability to change this for the better and it is our duty to do so. For example, 0ur flagship event Future Spaces was born to showcase sustainable and wellness-inspired design solutions to the design industry.
 
The Get Ready for Business Growth programme has allowed me to focus on the growth of our business, set further goals and grow as a team and company. Growing the business has allowed me as the founder to be more focused on sustainable solutions and ensure both Layrd and our projects are fully sustainable-focused.
 
The advice I would you give to businesses who are also working towards sustainability goals would be to keep pushing and being consistent with your aims. When we were first talking and pushing sustainable design our clients were more cost-focused and less interested. This has now completely changed and we're actually being engaged because of our sustainable focus. I would also say you can't do it alone, so look for supporters or suppliers in your network that can help drive the same messages as you."

- William Mayes, CEO and Founder of Layrd Design Ltd.

You can celebrate Green Libraries Week with our panel of small business owners that are pursuing their sustainability goals and get tips on how you can do this too at Start-Up Stars: Championing Green Businesses on Thursday 10 October. Get your free tickets here.

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