February 22, 2023
Identify your IP
Firstly, it is important to identify and record the IP in your business. Identifying your IP may sound obvious but sometimes it can be overlooked where rights may arise.
The most recognisable types of IP in businesses include trade marks, logos and domain names. However, less obvious forms of IP include copyright in the text on a website, design rights in the appearance of a product and copyright in customer databases.
Manage your IP
Not all forms of IP can be registered, but where it is possible, consider taking steps to register your IP. For example, you can register trade marks you use in your business (such as your business name or the name of your product) at the UK Intellectual Property Office to protect your brand in the UK.
Even if IP cannot be registered, it can still attract legal protection and therefore it is important to still capture and record non-registered IP such as copyright and business know-how. Copyright arises automatically on the creation of the work and does not need to be registered in the UK. Copyright law in the UK protects original artistic, musical, dramatic and literary works, including computer programs.
Commercialise your IP
Once you know the value of your IP it can be used as collateral in the same way as any other assets. The type of commercial exploitation that will be most beneficial to a business will generally depend on its strategy and the type of IP involved.
Common ways to commercialise your IP include:
If you need any advice with navigating any of the issues raised above, please contact Siobhan Williams on swilliams@darwingray.com / 02920 829 118 for a free initial chat to see how we can help you.
I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”
Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”
We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”
An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”
PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”
We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”
Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”
My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”
