Your business probably owns more intellectual property than you realise. The name above your shopfront, the code behind your app, the shape of your packaging and the customer list in your database can all attract legal protection, and each one works in a different way. Some rights arise automatically the moment you create something. Others exist only if you apply for them and pay a fee, and you lose them if you disclose the work too early. The distinction matters commercially, because investors, buyers and licensees all ask what a business owns before they commit. This article explains the main types of intellectual property a business can use in the United Kingdom, how each right arises and what it protects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trade marks, either registered or unregistered, are one of the most commonly used mechanisms for IP protection for businesses. These can take many forms, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can register a trade mark<\/a> with the Intellectual Property Office<\/a>. To achieve successful registration of a trade mark for your business, it must be unique and distinctive. This prevents businesses in the same industry from having similar logos or business names. This could easily confuse consumers and muddle your brand with another.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Businesses often use trade marks as a way to strengthen their brand identity. For example, a registered trade mark logo can be used internationally to identify your brand. This can also be used as an easily recognisable symbol. It also assists in building trust among your customer base and helps expand your business\u2019 visibility.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n The main difference between registered and unregistered trade marks<\/a> is how they receive protection. This will also affect how your rights are enforced. Unregistered trade marks are identifiable through the \u2122 symbol. This is in contrast to the \u00ae symbol, which is reserved by law for registered trade marks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To challenge a business that has attempted to copy your unregistered trade mark, you will have to prove that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Harm can be financial, reputational or other.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n In contrast, when you register your trade mark with the Intellectual Property Office, your legal rights will be automatically granted, as the IPO will have accepted that your mark is unique. Therefore, you are granted complete exclusivity within the selected area or areas of industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your business has invented something, you may wish to apply for patent protection. This type of IP protection grants exclusive use to the grantee. Competitors are, therefore, unable to manufacture, copy, or sell your invention for the duration of your patent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patent applications are the most expensive form of IP protection. This is due to their complexity and potentially extended processing times. However, if your invention is highly marketable and you have a strong commercial plan in place, you will need a patent to protect your product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important that your invention has taken an inventive step, is applicable in industry and also has never entered the public domain in any way. These are the strict requirements for receiving patent protection.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n If a business were to manufacture your invention while you have a patent in place, you could challenge this in court. The court may grant you compensation or a costs order<\/a> for any financial loss that has been incurred as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Continue reading this article below the form\n <\/i>\n<\/a>\n\n
Patents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n