Intellectual Property

Protecting software with IP

Protecting software intellectual property (IP) in the UK requires a nuanced approach, combining various legal protections and strategic actions to secure both the code and the brand. Unlike some physical…

My business only offers services. Do I need IP protection?

Intellectual Property (IP) protection is often associated with physical products and inventions, but it is equally crucial for service-based businesses. If you’re a business offering services, such as consultancy, marketing,…

Confidential Information: Protecting Your Ideas and Know-How

Are you involved in pitching innovative ideas or designs for tenders or investment opportunities? Do your employees have access to sensitive client information? Is your manufacturer aware of detailed information…

How can I secure funding to help protect and commercialise the intellectual property in my business?

Like obtaining a lease to your business premises or finding and retaining good employees, obtaining and commercialising your intellectual property rights can be costly. There is often a long list…

Reaffirming the principle that AI inventions must meet the same patentability criteria as other computer-implemented inventions

The recent Court of Appeal decision in EWCA Civ 825 has significant implications for the patentability of AI inventions in the UK. The Court of Appeal reversed the High Court’s…

Sexualised & Synthetic: The Legal Implications Of The Celebrities Most Commonly Victimised By Deepfakes

‘Taylor Swift deepfake’ is searched 9,900 times per month – the most of any celebrity. ‘Deepfake Pornography’ has increased in searches by 97.5% since 2019. 25% of the most searched…

How do I protect the intellectual property in my new jewellery brand?

It’s an exciting time, you have an idea for a new jewellery brand to shake up the market. But before you rush off and launch your brand to the public,…

IPO Report Reveals How The Media & Public Perception Has Shaped The IP Landscape

A new report from the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has shed light on how the United Kingdom’s news reporting on Intellectual Property (IP) rights has evolved over the past…

Artists – copyright & designs

Copyright Copyright is one of the most important IP rights that will protect artistic works. For artists, understanding copyright means it may be utilised to protect your original works and…

Should you mention a competitor’s product in your advert?

Advertising that in any way identifies a competitor, or a competitor’s product, is known as comparative advertising. With comparative advertising, there is a fine line between encouraging fair competition and…

Consultancy Agreements: The Importance of a Clear Scope

Consultants can be extremely valuable to businesses by providing specialised expertise, skills, and an outside perspective that may be lacking internally. However, given how involved consultants often become in handling…

The Importance of Trade Mark Clearance Searches: FAQs

Is clearing my trade mark necessary before launching it, and how do I go about it? Response: While it may not be mandatory in many jurisdictions to conduct a trade…

The UK Intellectual Property Office’s 2023 Facts and Figures

The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) is the official government body with responsibility for intellectual property (IP) rights. Its remit is wide as it is responsible for granting trade marks,…

I’ve seen that before!

Television, a lot has happened to this marvel since its invention nearly 100 years ago not just in terms of the technology but also what is broadcast or streamed to…

Can my brand be protected on the web?

Protection of brands is just as important on the internet as it is in other media.  With the propensity to search for company, business, product names through search engines such…

What is the Berne Convention?

The Berne Convention is a treaty enacted in 1886 so to provide better protections for artists of literary and artistic works throughout the world. It is based on three basic…

Evans v John Lewis Plc & Anor

Excitable Edgar, the mischievous dragon and star of the 2019 John Lewis Christmas advert, captured the hearts of many – except, that is, for Fay Evans. The children’s book author,…

Social Media and IP, What’s the worst that can happen?

Ah yes, social media, from the beginnings of MSN messenger and Myspace to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and everything in between, it is the phenomenon that won’t stop growing and creeping…

Hugh Grant features in Part 36 of the Civil Procedure Rules

Unfortunately, this is not a film review, nor is it a review of Hugh Grant’s performance in The Regime; it is, however, a review of Grant’s command of High Court…

IP-backed finance… the conditions are right

Good news for start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs, the World Intellectual Property Office has recently published a report concluding that the UK is well positioned to make IP-backed finance work. Its…

Lidl v Tesco … the Appeal

Followers of trade mark law, and in particular this blog, will be aware that that Lidl was successful last year in a claim of trade mark infringement, passing off and…

Will the High Court meet Satoshi Nakamoto?

The High Court of England and Wales is adept to answer and determine difficult questions. These can often be questions of fact (for example who did what) or questions of…

Intellectual Property Rights – Greeting Card Industry

Nowadays, greeting cards is a saturated market, however this does not mean that you do not have any rights in the cards you design.  It is reported that 76% of…

How to tackle a domain dispute in the UK

If you have a complaint related to a domain name in the UK, you may need to follow the dispute resolution process provided by the domain registry or registrar. The…