A new web site aimed at teaching innovators how to make the most of their ideas and stop others copying them has been launched by the Government.

Consumer Affairs Minister Dr Kim Howells was the first person to click on to the Intellectual Property site, designed to be used by businesses and inventors.

It contains in- formation on copy- rights, trade marks, patents and designs. It also helps users find the answers to commonly-asked questions and provides them with the latest news and links to other related sites.

It will also give advice on what licences are needed to use other people's ideas legally.

The address is www.intellectual-property.gov.uk