Introduction to Intellectual Property

The subject matter of intellectual property surrounds us constantly. Whether this takes the form of creative works or artistic and industrial design, formulae, software, commercial processes and procedures or other technology specifications, for many businesses and individuals these can be valuable assets.

More often than not, the market position of a product or service will be underpinned by factors that imbue it with a creative edge, or an innovative feature or a reputation associated with an established brand. These assets can be protected and exploited through what we commonly term Intellectual Property (IP) rights.

Specific areas include:

• IP acquisition / transfer and licensing arrangements

• Patent – enforcement of patent rights / infringement avoidance; invalidity challenges; and patent licensing
  

• Trademarks/brands – protection advice; trade mark registration; enforcement of rights; and licensing

• Designs – protection advice; design registration; enforcement of rights; and design licensing

• Copyright – exploitation and protection advice; assignment of copyright rights and copyright licensing

• Trade secrets – Confidentiality agreements and other protective covenants

• Litigation – IP infringement or misuse of confidential information