NORTH Yorkshire businesses have won European funding to protect their ideas from thieves.

Firms in Pickering, Scarborough and Whitby can now tap into a scheme which will fund up to two-thirds of the cost of protecting their intellectual property rights.

Businesses are facing an increasing risk of having their ideas, inventions, systems and processes stolen, which could cost them thousands of pounds and in some cases cause serious damage.

York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce (YNYCC) has launched an information programme to help businesses combat the problem, with the help of York law firm Harrowell Shaftoe.

A seminar to give advice on protecting and exploiting intellectual property (IP) rights is being held at the Forest and Vale Hotel in Pickering tomorrow.

Harrowell Shaftoe's intellectual property specialist, Charles Walker, who is leading the seminar, said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for businesses in the Scarborough and Pickering areas to secure their intellectual property rights for a minimal outlay."

Mr Walker, who has 16 years experience in IP and has acted for major clients in the music, film and technology sectors, said: "Intellectual property rights are becoming an increasingly important element in the commercial world and businesses are often failing to properly identify, exploit and protect this valuable resource.

"Businesses, particularly small and mid-sized ones, are coming under increasing attack from predators who are looking to take advantage of their ideas, systems, processes and even their trading names."

To qualify for financial support from the scheme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund, businesses need to be based in Scarborough, Whitby and parts of Ryedale, employ fewer than 250 people and have a turnover of less than £28m. For further information on the scheme, phone Karl or Sarah Angus at the YNYCC on 01904 629513.

Updated: 12:17 Monday, March 15, 2004