In an age where industrial, even cross-sector, collaboration is creating significant opportunities for businesses, Darren Mitchell, a specialist patent attorney for the law firm Potter Clarkson, offers advice to would-be participants on how to protect their assets and avoid subsequent court battles while negotiating partnership deals.

Gaining significant clues to the kinds of developments textile manufacturers can expect to see at next year’s ITMA, Adrian Wilson visited this year’s precursor event, ITMA Asia + CITME, and discovered enthusiasm among machine builders for a future based on automation and data exchange.

Major opportunities for textile manufacturers supplying reinforcements to the composites industry are anticipated, with those working in the markets for transportation standing to gain most, as Adrian Wilson learned during the recent Global Fibers Congress.