Intellectual property (IP) is a term used to refer to creations of the mind, such as inventions, technical know-how, literary and artistic works, names, logos, images and designs.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) help provide a means to recognise and reward inventiveness, to protect these creative efforts and acknowledge ownership of such rights.

The main types of IP are: patents, know-how, copyright, trade marks and designs, each of which are described below.

Patents

Patents relate to inventions. A “patent confers upon its holder, for a limited period, the right to exclude others from exploiting (making, using, selling, importing) the patented invention except with the consent of the patentee.” To enjoy such exclusive rights, the invention concerned must be new, involve an inventive step and be capable of industrial application.

Know-How

Know-how relates to confidential technical information, formulae, trade secrets and other such proprietary information relating to your business and products, whether current or in development.  For its protection, confidentiality and disclosure only in controlled circumstances are essential.

Copyright

Copyright relates to the rights given to authors/creators of certain categories of work, including original literary, dramatic, musical or artistic works, sound recordings, broadcasts and computer programmes.

Trade Marks

Trade marks relate to distinctive signs used by businesses, individuals or other legal entities to identify its goods or services and to distinguish them from the goods and services supplied by others.

Designs

Designs relate to the appearance of a product, including its shape, lines, contours, colours and texture.

For more assistance in understanding the type of IP relevant to you and the steps and estimated costs involved in protecting these rights, please contact us to arrange a consultation.   Each case is different and is assessed on a case by case basis.