Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property (IP) refers to intangible property that is the result of creativity, for which exclusive rights of ownership have been recognised.

Creative categories that are included under the term include:

Inventions
Musical, literary or artistic works
Symbols
Names
Images
Commercial designs

When setting up a business, it’s essential you understand the legalities surrounding IP, and our team of intellectual property lawyers can help you manage the risks involved. We’ll provide you with valuable advice to ensure you protect and capitalise on your intellectual property, putting in place procedures that will enable you to continue this process in the long term.

We know it can be stressful when you’re starting out. Our experienced team of solicitors have a genuine knowledge and understanding of brand, reputation and creative output, as well as the laws and rights which are in place to protect them.

If you need advice surrounding intellectual property, contact our team of experienced solicitors for impartial, professional guidance today. Call us on 01484 821 500 or fill out our online enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch at a time that is convenient for you.

What Intellectual Property Services do we offer?

Our team of Intellectual Property specialists will support you in managing your IP, so that you can successfully translate your business’s innovative and creative ideas into commercial success.

We have extensive experience advising clients on:

IP litigation, including patent, copyright, design right and trade mark litigation and proceedings
Intellectual property licences
Assignments of IP and joint ventures involving IP

If you require help with any of the above, give our friendly team a call on 01484 821 500 or fill out our online enquiry form, and we’ll be in touch to discuss your options.

Why Choose our Intellectual Property Lawyers?

We are committed to providing you with prompt, easy-to-follow advice about your options, whilst taking the unnecessary stress away from you whilst you focus on your business. Once you’ve decided which avenue you’d like to take, you will be provided with a team of dedicated intellectual property specialists to work with you to achieve your goals.

At Ramsdens Solicitors, we provide:

A friendly, confidential service
Quick responses to all communications
Specialist start-up solicitors ready to offer actionable advice

FAQs

How Long Does IP Protection Last?

Concepts are protected by IP rights for a period of time, which will vary depending on the type of IP. For example, musical, literary and artistic works are typically protected for the life of the author and for 70 years after their death, while patents last for 20 years, and trademarks can last indefinitely, provided the renewal fees are paid.

What Types of Protection Exist?

It is important to understand what type of intellectual property you have, so you can ensure you are equipped to protect it. It is crucial to seek legal advice on the different types of protections available to you. There are two distinct categories of protection; automatic protection and protection that needs to be applied for.

Automatic protection includes:

Copyright - This can cover art, photos, sound recordings, literary works, films, TV, web content and music.
Design right - This protects the shapes of objects.

Protections you have to apply for include:

Trade marks - These protect product names, logos and jingles. You should allow four months for a trademark application.
Registered designs - These protect the appearance of a product. For example, shape, packaging, colours and decoration. You should allow one month for a registered design application.
Patents - These protect inventions and products. For example, machines and machine parts, medicines and tools. You should allow around five years for a patent application.

Contact Us

If you would like further information surrounding Intellectual Property, get in touch with our friendly team today by calling 01484 821 500, email us at info@ramsdens.co.uk or fill out our online enquiry form and we will get back to you at a time that’s convenient for you.