Intellectual property strategy
Intellectual Property (IP) assets can enhance competitive advantage, attract investors and add to the value of your business. It can also be an important part of your defence and offense strategy. Make sure you don’t get burnt.
What types of Intellectual Property (IP) are there?
Patents
Patents provide exclusive legal right to commercially exploit a unique invention (e.g. process or technology). Have you patented:
- unique processes or inventions
Design registration
Design registration can legally protect the visual appearance of a product. Have you registered:
- the visual appearance of your product
- key shapes of your product or packaging
Trade secrets
Trade secrets include items such as formulae, contact lists and suppliers.
Copyright
Copyright only covers certain things, but it’s worth directly asking your designer and your photographer who owns your material. See also:
- Does copyright protect my logo, product name, slogan or business name?
- Who owns copyright of my logo, graphics, copy or photos?
Trademarks
Trade marks can legally protect a combination of word, images, shapes, smell and colour. Have you trademarked:
- your business or company name
- your product or brand names
- your slogans or key phrases
- your logo or key graphics
- key design elements
- specific smells or colours
See also:
Does intellectual property have value?
Yes, if it has commercial value. Intellectual property (IP) assets can increase valuation particularly when company valuation is involved, such as:
- listing on the stock exchange (Initial Public Offering (IPO))
- private investors
- acquisition
I’m only just starting
That’s ok. This is a great time to get things right.
- before you register your business or company name.
- before you register your domain name.
- before you register trade marks.
- before naming products or services.