What IP solicitors help with
- Registering and protecting trade marks and designs.
- Copyright and database rights in software, content and media.
- Licensing, franchising and technology transfer agreements.
- Confidential information and trade secrets.
- Infringement disputes and passing off claims, including in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court.
Patents
Patent applications are usually drafted by patent attorneys, who often work alongside IP solicitors. Solicitors typically handle patent licensing and litigation.
Questions to ask a intellectual property solicitor
- Should I register a trademark, patent or design, or is copyright enough?
- Will you search for existing rights before I apply?
- Which countries do I need protection in?
- What will it cost to keep the registration in force?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register copyright in the UK?
No. Copyright arises automatically when original work is created. Trade marks and designs, however, benefit greatly from registration.
What is passing off?
Passing off protects an unregistered brand where someone misrepresents their goods or services as yours, damaging your goodwill.