WORCESTERSHIRE inventors have been offered free advice from Patent Office experts.

The Discovery Channel's What's the Big Idea? Roadshow is being held at the Millennium Point in Birmingham on Saturday and Sunday July 20 and 21.

Representatives from the organisation will be present to provide free insight into the world of patents, trade marks, design registration and copyright.

Inventors are also offered the opportunity to watch patent searches being carried out, in order to reveal whether an invention is novel.

"Before you develop an idea it is always wise to run a patent search to find out whether anyone has already come up with a similar invention," said Jeremy Phillpott of the Patent Office.

At the event, there is also an exhibition of successful inventions and a trade fair of companies involved in innovation.

For further information surrounding the event visit the Patent Office web site at www.patent.gov.uk or call the Central Enquiry Unit on 08459 500505.

Corus in merger

Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus today announced plans to merge with Brazilian steel group CSN.

Under the deal, Corus will own 62.4 per cent of the new company, and CSN the remaining 37.6 per cent.

Corus chief executive Tony Pedder said: "This combination with one of Brazil's leading steelmakers, CSN, is a further major step in focusing the Corus group around a strong international carbon steel operation."

Jobs

A spokesman for Corus indicated jobs would not be at risk.

"The potential merger is about creating growth for both companies, so it is not a jobs story," he said.

"It will be beneficial for our European steel operations, both in the UK and on the continent, because access to high quality low cost iron ore should make our steel works more competitive - which is good news for employees and the company, as well as shareholders."