ABSTRACT

This chapter aims to contribute a better understanding of how innovating companies could approach Intellectual Property (IP) information and strategy reporting to enhance transparency and therefore, corporate accountability and responsible stewardship. It provides context with an overview of corporate reporting laws under the Companies Act 2006. The chapter illustrates the conceptual differences between accounting presentation and corporate disclosure law. It considers the benefits of enhanced IP information disclosure, despite the increased regulatory burden and costs involved. The chapter analyses the format for making patent information disclosures. It discusses the UK corporate reporting requirements that apply whether the companies are small to medium size enterprises or publicly listed companies. Annual reports are longer and richer in content than ever before yet important IP information remains indiscernible. In relation to the company's IP assets, appropriate information should be disclosed in the Directors' Report and Strategic Review as legally required.