INNOVATION and invention - two key concepts for knowledge-based businesses and the subject of the first external meeting held at the new incubator unit at Chilworth Science Park, Southampton.

The joint Hampshire Economic Partnership and business Link Hampshire event tackled the issue of Intellectual Property - the most important asset in the balance sheet of many hi-tech businesses.

Delegates heard about the necessity adopting an effective strategy to encompass issues such as filing a patent or gaining a license to exploit technology.

Speakers at the seminar included Adrian Ryder, chairman of the county's economic office innovation group, Dr Miles Haines from Young and Co, European patent attorneys and Julian Hamblin, partner from Bond Pearce Solicitors, who gave an expert view on various aspects of intellectual property on a global scale.

Dr Don Fox, managing director of Chilworth Science Park opened the seminar explaining the importance of the park to new businesses saying, "Chilworth Science Park is inextricably linked to bright ideas and their exploitation in the commercial market place. This new incubator unit is already in great demand - the challenge for us all is to help people turn their ideas and inventions into businesses of real value to the local regional economy.''