Introduction
1 - Identify your IPR’s
2 - Protect your IPR’s
3 - Use and exploitation
4 - Enforcement of your IPR’s

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STEP 2. PROTECT YOUR IPR’s

Although some IPR’s arise automatically others must be applied for and ultimately registered or granted.

Patents, Trade Marks and Registered designs need to be applied for and will only be granted if you fulfil the necessary criteria for each type of IPR. In the UK such applications are made to and considered by the UK Patent Office. An initial fee is payable and thereafter a renewal fee that varies depending upon the nature of the IPR and the extent of the protection being sought. The duration of the period of protection granted is also dependant upon the nature of the IPR.

Always be aware that the ability to obtain protection can be lost if the application is made too late and the innovation has already been disclosed even if inadvertently.

IPR’s that arise automatically include copyright, database rights, design right and the right to prevent passing off etc. Whilst there are no formal requirements for registration there are still steps that can be taken to maximise your future protection e.g. use of the copyright symbol and date of creation, express agreements as to ownership etc


                  

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