University of the Arts London Own-it - Intellectual Property Advice Service London Development Agency
Register now
 

IP Info: How To Protect Your Intellectual Property

These FAQs are for general guidance only. Specific legal advice should be taken depending on the precise facts in question. Before reading through these FAQs, feel free to read our introductory step-by-step guide to intellectual property.


> General FAQs > Graphic Design/Visual Art/Photography > Fashion and Product Design > Film and Television > Music

General FAQs

What is IP? - Overview

> What is Intellectual Property?
> What are IP rights? Why do I need to know about them?

Protecting IP - Overview

> How can I protect my Intellectual Property?
> What are the advantages of registering my IP rights? How do I do this?
> What steps should I take to protect IP rights that I can’t register?
> I want to develop an idea with a company - what steps should I take to protect my IP?
> How can I protect my ideas / keep my work confidential?
> What is confidential information?
> I am setting up a communications agency with a friend that will focus on communicating complicated issues, such as what it would mean for the UK if we joined the Euro, simply. We have thought of a catchy name for the business. How can we protect our idea?

Protecting IP - trade marks, copyright, patents, design and moral rights

> What is copyright?
> What does © mean?
> What sort of things can I claim copyright in?
> How long does copyright protection last?
> What happens to copyright if I put my work on the internet?
> How do I copyright my work?
> What is a trade mark?
> Why should I register my trademark?
> How do I get a registered trademark?
> What kind of sign can be a trademark?
> What’s the difference between ™ and ®?
> What are moral rights?
> What is a patent?
> What can be patented?
> Are there alternative services where I can log my IP? (A)
> Are there alternative services where I can log my IP? (B)
> How can I protect my IP rights when my work is transmitted via the Internet and downloaded in many different countries?

Enforcing and exploiting IP - licensing

> What if somebody infringes my IP rights?
> How do I enforce my IP rights?
> What is the best method for financially exploiting my IP?
> If I want to licence or sell my IP: how do I know what to charge?
> An employee has left my company and I believe is about to exploit know-how that he has acquired when at the company? What can I do?

IP Ownership

> Who owns the IP rights: an employer or the employee?
> Is the situation the same with commissioned works?
> How do I know that the person whose IP rights I wish to use is entitled to use them?
 

Own-it North

Register now to receive our newsletter, for online advice, and to book events

Registered user?



Forgotten password

Site map