Intellectual property (IP) is created by individuals exercising
inventive or creative skills.
Rights to IP can arise automatically (copyright, design right),
following formal application for grant or registration (patent,
trademarks, registered design right) or through contractual
or quasi-contractual means (confidentiality, usage).
Whilst we can assist in applying for trademarks and registered
designs, and the drafting and negotiation of patent licence
agreements, we do not assist in the process of applying for
patents. See our useful links for details on patent agents who
would be able to help.
An IP right is generally owned by or available to the creator,
or if the creator was employed to do that sort of work, by his/her
employer. The right in commissioned works (except industrial
designs) generally belongs to the creator, not the commissioner,
unless the commissioning contract provides otherwise. Click
here for more
information on IP protection.
