Intellectual Property

Articles and guides for UK SMEs on effective management of Intellectual Property rights and on leveraging IP assets such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.

Legal advice

How to pick a good trade mark

Rob White, of Avidity IP, gives some examples of good and bad trade marks and how to secure a good one.

Legal advice

Brand insurance: Protecting the intellectual property in your business

Rob White discusses the importance of registering trade marks and the process small businesses should follow.

Legal advice

How code name leaks could lead to a big legal bill for businesses

Rob White of Avidity IP discusses how code names being leaked can result in a costly trade mark dispute.

News

Copyright information ‘Hub’ set to be launched to educate on intellectual property

A one-stop-shop website about rights ownership and copyright licences has been announced by the government.

Business management

Five things to know about intellectual property

James Kinnaird, associate at Marks & Clerk LLP, discusses the ins and outs of IP, with contribution from Hyphen Design.

Legal advice

Protecting your intellectual property

Ever wondered if it's worth protecting your product against copycats? Dr Stephen Blance, senior attorney at Avidity IP, discusses why it should be done.

Legal advice

How do I protect my idea?

I have developed and researched a new idea that I think has the potential to be commercially successful. How do I protect my idea?

News

Law changes facilitate IP protection for SMEs

New changes to the law will make it easier for small businesses to protect their Intellectual Property (IP) rights.

News

Businesses ‘not protecting intellectual property’

Businesses are not sufficiently protecting their intellectual property (IP), with many taking no action, according to new research.

Legal advice

Grand designs: a quick guide to IP protection

The UK has come up with more than its fair share of iconic products. SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to an inventor about the sources of her inspiration, and how she has commercialised and protected her idea.

Business management

Protecting your ideas

As small business owners competing against larger players, one of the biggest challenges you will face is how to protect your ideas or inventions from theft and imitation.

Legal advice

Intellectual property: is yours safe?

Entrepreneurial businesses can make their fortunes through intellectual property. If they can hang onto it long enough, that is. Robert Tyerman investigates the murky world of IP protection