Managing your intellectual property

Intellectual property (IP) is a valuable asset to any company, but there’s no doubt IP disputes can be a costly distraction from the day-to-day operating of your business.

The law relating to intellectual property disputes is complex, but it offers a broad scope of protection of your work.

We can help you to ensure that challenges are resolved as quickly as possible, letting you focus on your business.

What is intellectual property management?

To fully exploit the potential of your intellectual property assets, such as your ideas, products or creations, it is important to consider the most effective ways to develop and protect them.

Whether your business is a small start-up or a large, established firm, your intellectual property assets need to be registered in the correct manner, planned and exploited effectively, and protected against disputes and infringements.

The intellectual property protection services that experienced IP lawyers can provide include:

• The conducting of due diligence exercises during corporate transactions.
• Screening services to ensure that any new brands you create are available for use.
• Trademark and design registration to secure your brand in key markets.
• Handling trademark or design objections from local offices.
• Assistance with any contentious proceedings, such as trademark opposition and cancellation.

Specialist intellectual property lawyers can help to advise you on your trademark portfolio to ensure you are reaping the full benefits of your creative work, as well as acting on your behalf in the event that you require a patent grant, or advising you on IP issues when creating new digital content.

I believe someone is infringing my intellectual property – what should I do?

Intellectual property disputes are a particular cause of concern for any business owner.

The best course of action to deal with a dispute depends on the nature of the infringement of your intellectual property rights.

In many cases, drawing attention to the alleged infringement is enough to bring about a resolution.

For example, someone may have infringed your copyright on a piece of work, but a Cease and Desist letter may prompt them to stop the infringement immediately, with no need for further action.

However, you might wish to pursue compensation for loss of earnings, or for wrongful earnings that the infringing party has made, and this may require you to take the case to court.

Some intellectual property infringements, such as counterfeit, misuses of trade secrets, or the acquisition of search and seizure orders, involve criminal offences and will need to be dealt with through court action rather than mediation.

I need legal advice on intellectual property - how can First4Lawyers help?

If your first route is mediation, this tends to be a more confidential solution and an expert IP lawyer can be invaluable in assisting with all aspects of planning and conducting mediation.

If a copyright infringement should go to court, we can help you build a strong case and pursue a claim for compensation on your behalf.

Get in touch and our legal advisors will assess your needs, before putting you in touch with one of our IP legal experts.