“Your business' reputation is tied up with its name, ideas and designs. You don't want somebody else trading on it,” said Tom Lawrence, commercial litigation specialist at Essex-based solicitors Birkett Long. “It’s important to invest a few pounds up front to protect your Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) from the outset - and help prevent paying out thousands in injunctions or infringement inquiries later.”
What can companies do to protect their IPR?
- Register everything: Some IP rights are automatically safeguarded under legislation e.g. copyright. Further protection is available by registering your website domain name, trademarks and patents. And like Reef One, ensure you have patents in all countries you trade in.
- Keep meticulous records: If legal action is required, you will need to produce hard evidence that you had the original idea. Keep electronic records which prove dates and safely store hard copies as a back up.
- Monitor your competitors’ websites: “Nine out of ten cases I deal with are website infringements,” said Tom. Look out for competitors’ copying your ideas or designs.
Tom Lawrence specialises in commercial litigation at Birkett Long. If you have any IPR queries, call Birkett Long for expert advice on 01206 217300.
