The organisations have launched a series of free events, titled Get It Right – First Time, for first-time directors.

Meanwhile the IPO has also published a paper, From ideas to growth: Helping SMEs get value from their intellectual property, outlining its range of support for SMEs looking to protect their intellectual property rights (IPR).

Minister for intellectual property Baroness Wilcox said: "These events are enormously helpful for directors who have little or no experience of protecting their IP, or are new to being directors.

"Having run my own business, I know how starting up your own company can be a daunting experience and I am delighted that we can offer directors free support and expert guidance on two key areas of their business. I hope that many directors will sign up for these events and use the experience to grow their companies."

The venture will be hosted by experts from both the IPO and Companies House. The team from the IPO will present a variety of seminars that will explain the basics of IP: what it is, why it’s important, how to protect it and how to exploit it commercially.

The seminars will also support business owners and managers, explaining all they need to know about their responsibilities as a first-time director. This will include information about the incorporation process and how to use the many tools and resources provided by Companies House.

A full list of the events, which run throughout 2012, can be found at the IPO website www.ipo.gov.uk/getitright.