Alex Shiel is a lawyer and partner in the business law firm of Ward Hadaway. He has lived and worked in the North East throughout his career and during that time has concentrated on working with start-up and spin-out businesses in the new technology sector, in order to help them to tackle the legal issues which they face and to grow and develop into successful businesses. Alex's particular speciality is advising on the identification, protection and exploitation of the intellectual property rights (copyright, designs, trade marks and patents) that are fundamental to the success of new technology businesses in all sectors.

1. What type of business should I be - sole trader, partnership or Limited Company?
2. How do I protect the new product and ideas that I have developed?
3. Where can I get some terms and conditions of sale?
4. What do I need to put on my website?
5. How do I draw up a contract for my staff?

Dr Alex Turnbull is a senior patent attorney and joined HLBBshaw from Cambridge Display Technology (CDT) Ltd, where he was involved in the management of the company's patent and trade mark portfolio. He also project managed a three million pound joint development agreement between Durham University, Thorn Lighting and Sumation.

Alex can advise on the drafting of patent specifications, patent prosecution, portfolio management, and opposition practice, with particular emphasis on the technical area of physics and plastic electronics. He also has a keen interest in licenses and license negotiations.

1. How can patents help my business maintain its competitive edge?
2. How can I build up an patent portfolio?
3. How do I avoid other people's patents and trade marks?
4. How much does it cost to obtain a UK patent?
5. How can IP provide my with a revenue stream?
    

Matthew Rippon is a partner at BHP Law where he leads a 3-partner team specialising in IP and technology work. Matthew advises in a wide range of IP work and specialises in commercialisation and the launch of IP-centric businesses whether as conventional start-ups or as spin-outs. Matthew is also one of the region's leading advisors in IP disputes.

1. I want a worldwide patent/trade mark. How much will it cost and how long will it take?
2. These people are threatening to sue me. What can you do about it for me?
3. I've had this brilliant idea, but before I put all my money into it, how do I know that it won't infringe somebody else's rights?
4. I've had this brilliant idea but I'm not sure how to take it forward. What do you suggest?
5. I need some help setting up my business but money is tight. What are the most important things and is there anywhere I can go to get financial support?