Trevor Baylis

Why IP – what drew you to the field?
As an inventor, I had no choice but to get into IP – the golden rule is that nobody pays you for an idea, but they will for a piece of paper.

How long have you been practising IP?
I have been inventing all my life, but I filed my first patent in 1992.

What’s your most memorable career event to date?
Receiving my OBE – it was wonderful to be recognized for services to Africa, as a result of the wind-up radio’s success.

What’s your top tip for networking?
I’m not too sure about a tip for networking, but I do have a more general one for inventors: always follow your heart.

Which professional do you think is making the biggest waves in IP at the moment?
Ian Fletcher, who is changing the public face of the UK-IPO through various initiatives and consultations.

What is your favourite aspect of the IP profession?
I am not an IP professional, but watching an invention take off is always exciting.

What is your least favourite?
The cost to the inventor, in financial and emotional terms.

Which IP-related book would you recommend to fellow professionals?
The Wiley Corporation’s Inventing for Dummies, which tells people all they should know about every stage of the process.

Inventor of the wind-up radio, television personality and motivational speaker, Trevor was awarded an OBE in 1997. His company, Trevor Baylis Brands, teaches inventors how to protect their inventions.

This article first appeared in IP Review, issue 20.