Brand Protection and Intellectual Property
Your business is your brand and protecting it is vital. We advise on the full range of intellectual property matters including trade mark registration, copyright, IP licences, technology transfer, franchising, brand licences and non-disclosure agreements (NDA), as well as handling UKIPO filings on your behalf.
- Trade Mark Registration
- Copyright Protection
- IP Licences
- Technology Transfer Agreements
- Franchising Agreements
- Brand Licences
- Non-Disclosure Agreements
- UKIPO Filings
Your intellectual property (IP) is often your most valuable business asset – our team provides robust, commercially focused advice to ensure it is properly protected and exploited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I register my Trade Mark?
Registering your Trade Mark gives you exclusive legal rights to use it in relation to the goods and services it covers, and makes it significantly easier to enforce those rights against infringers. An unregistered mark can still attract some protection under the law of passing off, but registration provides a much stronger and clearer legal position. We handle UKIPO applications and advise on trade mark strategy.
What can copyright protect for my business?
Copyright arises automatically and protects original creative works including written content, software code, website design, product designs, marketing materials, photography and other artistic works. It does not protect ideas themselves, but it does protect the expression of those ideas. We advise on ownership, licensing and enforcement of copyright, and on ensuring your contracts properly capture IP ownership where work is created by employees or contractors.
When do I need a Non-Disclosure Agreement?
An NDA should be put in place before you share any sensitive business information, proprietary technology, trade secrets or commercially valuable data with a third party - whether in the context of negotiations, a potential joint venture, or engaging a supplier or consultant. A well-drafted NDA defines clearly what is confidential, the permitted uses of that information, and the consequences of any breach. We prepare bespoke NDAs tailored to your specific situation.
Do you register trade marks?
Yes. We advise on UK and EU trade mark clearance, filing, prosecution and oppositions, and manage portfolios for SMEs and founders.
Can you help with IP infringement?
We advise on cease and desist correspondence, takedowns, IP licensing disputes and enforcement strategy for trade marks, copyright and design rights.
How long does a UK trade mark last?
A registered UK trade mark lasts for ten years and can be renewed indefinitely for further ten-year periods, provided the renewal fees are paid and the mark remains in use.
What is the difference between a trade mark and a registered design?
A trade mark protects brand identifiers such as names and logos, while a registered design protects the appearance of a product, such as its shape, pattern or ornamentation.
Do I automatically own copyright in work created for my business?
Not always. Work created by employees in the course of employment usually belongs to the business, but work by contractors or freelancers often needs a written assignment. We put the right agreements in place.
How do I protect a brand name and logo?
Registering a trade mark gives the strongest protection and the right to prevent others using a confusingly similar mark. We advise on clearance searches, classes and the application process.
Can I protect an idea or invention?
Ideas themselves cannot be protected, but the way they are expressed or applied often can be through copyright, design rights, patents or confidentiality agreements. We help identify the right approach.