Intellectual Property

Intellectual property (usually abbreviated to "IP") is the colelctive name for the bundle of laws that protect investment in brands, creative works, designs and technology. IP is not to be confused with "intellectual assets" - the brands, works of art or literature, singing, dancing, acting or other performances, product designs and new products or manufacturing processes that are the subject of such legal protection. It is surprising how often folk who should know better confuse the two.

IP is usually divided into a number of categories such as:
- patents: monopolies for new products or industrial processes;
- trade marks: the exclusive right to use a distinctive work, logo, initials or other sign in relation to specified goods or services;
- registered designs: the exclusive right to use a new design having individual character in relation to products;
- copyrights: the exclusive right to copy, publish, distribute, translate or otherwise adapt an original work of art or literature which includes not just drawings and poetry but website graphics, computer programs and even the arrangement of photos and text for a catalogue.
This list is by no means exhaustive. There are lots of other rights I have not even started to consider some of which are quite new such as the right to register a domain name.

Some rights have to be registered with a national or supra-national intellectual property office. These include patents, trade marks and registered designs. Others come into being quite automatically. They include copyright, rights in performances, unregistered design rights and the right to prevent a confidante from using or disclosing secret information that has been disclosed to him or her in confidence.

In this forum there will be a lot of info that I hope will be of practical use to KickStart members. I am one of your approved suppliers. I also hold free monthly IP clinics in Bradford at Gumption (just opposite the ice rink every third Thursday) as well as others in Huddersfield and Halifax. Call Angie or Anita on +44 (0)845 034 4133 if you want an appointment at Gumption. All the articles I submit will be based on issues that have come up in my work for KickStart members or at these clinics. I look forward to meeting some of you soon.
Jane Lambert NIPC Tel +44 (0)870 990 5081 Email jane.lambert@nipclaw.com