{"id":976,"date":"2021-05-20T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-20T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/articles\/what-is-intellectual-property\/"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:18:46","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:18:46","slug":"what-is-intellectual-property","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/business-structure\/what-is-intellectual-property\/","title":{"rendered":"What is intellectual property?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Intellectual property \u2013 or IP \u2013 refers to anything that has been created, like designs, inventions, brand names, and literary works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">IP is protected by law, for example through copyright, patents, and trade marks, so the author has sole authorisation over who can use and distribute their work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-start-a-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1444\" ><strong>How to start a business in the UK<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/setting-up-a-limited-company\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1270\" ><strong>Setting up a limited company: a step-by-step guide<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/how-to-become-self-employed\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1418\" ><strong>How to go self-employed in the UK<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/what-does-product-liability-insurance-cover\/\"><strong>What does product liability insurance cover?<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Businesses take reasonable steps to protect fixed assets, like their stock and equipment. But intangible assets can be more difficult to secure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Intellectual property (IP) is an intangible asset. Your IP isn\u2019t physical in nature, but patents, trade marks and copyrights can all add value to your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Below, we talk about IP in relation to the UK and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/ukpga\/1988\/48\/contents\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988<\/a>. The rest of the world has different protections \u2013 so you may need separate protections in different countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whatisip\">What is IP?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your IP is something unique that you create. Ideas don\u2019t count as IP under UK law, but things that result from an idea do. This could be a new invention, the name of your product, your brand, your services, or even how your products look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But whenever businesses introduce something to the world, there\u2019s a risk they might be copied. This risk is amplified by the internet, which makes it easier for unique IP to be stolen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small businesses in particular need to make sure they\u2019re securing their IP. If your business is built around your IP and someone copies it, you run the risk of losing market share \u2013 but there are rights and protections that make it easier to take legal action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if your business doesn&#8217;t centre around your unique idea, it&#8217;s important to be aware of intellectual property law to make sure you&#8217;re not inadvertently stealing somebody else\u2019s IP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howtoprotectip\">How to protect IP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You get some intellectual property rights automatically but, depending on the type of IP, you might need to register.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s a good idea to have a thorough look at your business to work out what IP you have that needs protecting. This is called an IP audit and it should help you value your IP assets just as you would your physical assets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"copyright\">Copyright<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Essentially, copyright stops people using your work without permission or claiming it as their own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Copyright laws safeguard writing and literary works, art, photography, films, TV, music, web content, and sound recordings. For small businesses, copyright applies to web pages you create, or original photography, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s worth noting that you can&#8217;t claim copyright on slogans and names, but these can sometimes be trademarked (we\u2019ve got more info on registering trade marks below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s also important to make sure you <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/image-copyright-rules-for-businesses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1463\" >don\u2019t infringe on anyone else\u2019s copyright<\/a>, particularly when it comes to using internet resources and images. You shouldn\u2019t assume that just because it\u2019s on the internet it\u2019s in the public domain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howdoicopyrightmywork\">How do I copyright my work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t need to register or pay for copyright. Your work will be protected automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can choose to mark your work with a copyright symbol, your name and the year it was created. But your work will be protected under copyright law regardless of whether you do this.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howlongdoescopyrightlast\">How long does copyright last?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Copyright protection starts as soon as your work is created. The length of time the copyright lasts for depends on the type of work:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">written, dramatic, musical and artistic work \u2013 70 years after the author\u2019s death<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">sound and music recording \u2013 70 years from when it\u2019s first published<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">films \u2013 70 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">broadcasts \u2013 50 years from when it\u2019s first broadcast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">layout of published editions of written, dramatic or musical works \u2013 25 years from when it\u2019s first published<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"canyoucopyrightanidea\">Can you copyright an idea?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately you can\u2019t copyright an idea. When it comes to protecting ideas and concepts, it will be the recorded version of your idea that&#8217;s protected by copyright \u2013 your website copy or brand name for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"designright\">Design right<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Design right protects the shape and configuration (how the different parts are put together) of objects. Automatic protection lasts for 10 years after the design was first sold, or 15 years after it was created \u2013 whichever is earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"intellectualpropertyregisterforprotection\">Intellectual property \u2013 register for protection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While copyright and design right are automatic, there are some types of IP where you need to register for more protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It all depends on what brand, product or invention you\u2019ve created, so a thorough audit of your business and its IP should help you work out what level of protection you need. You can always get the help of a specialist solicitor here if you need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the types of IP you can register, and why you might need to register them. You should make sure they meet the criteria for registration before going ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Trade marks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can protect words, images, slogans, and more as trade marks. This can help you protect a distinctive brand. Start by <a href=\"https:\/\/trademarks.ipo.gov.uk\/ipo-tmtext\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">searching for a trade mark<\/a> on the government website to be sure your idea is original.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your trade mark must be unique and can\u2019t be misleading or non-distinctive. It also can&#8217;t describe the goods or services it relates to \u2013 so trying to trade mark &#8216;lawnmower&#8217; for a new lawnmower won&#8217;t work. A standard online trade mark application costs \u00a3200.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Registered designs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can register the look of a product you\u2019ve designed, as long as it\u2019s new. You can protect its appearance, physical shape, decoration and the configuration, which is how different parts of the design are arranged together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Registering a design makes it easier to tackle any infringement legally. It costs \u00a350 to register one design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Patents<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Patents go further than protecting your design \u2013 they can protect a new invention, like a tool or machine, and how it works. You can only get a patent if your invention is something that can be made (or used), it\u2019s new, and not simply a modification to something that already exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in mind that multiple protections can relate to one product. So you might register a name and logo as a trademark, protect the product\u2019s unique shape as a registered design, patent a unique part of the product, and copyright artwork relating to the product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"howtopatentanideaintheuk\">How to patent an idea in the UK?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are eight steps to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/patent-your-invention\/decide-to-apply\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">applying for a patent<\/a> in the UK, from making sure your invention is new to completing your application form and getting approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Patents are expensive, with different fees involved at different stages of the process. Some estimates put overall fees at more than \u00a34,000, and it can take five years to reach the approval\/refusal stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The government recommends you find a patent attorney if you want to go ahead with an application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"whatisintellectualpropertytheft\">What is intellectual property theft?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You breach intellectual property law when you use someone else\u2019s IP without their permission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before forging ahead with designing a product, registering a trade mark or applying for a patent, you should research and check that your idea is unique. You can look for existing patents, designs and trade marks on the UK government website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re commissioning work (like asking a freelancer to design a logo for you), you should make sure that as the business owner, you have the rights to the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And you can purchase or license other people\u2019s IP, and sell and license your own IP. Some companies might license other companies to use their trade marks \u2013 common examples are merchandising and <a href=\"\/knowledge\/business-structure\/what-is-a-franchise\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"965\" >franchising agreements<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/organisations\/intellectual-property-office\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Intellectual Property Office<\/a> has lots more information on intellectual property laws. You can also enlist specialist help from attorneys trained to deal with IP rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Let us know all about your experience with protecting your intellectual property in the comments below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"readytosetupyourcover\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\" >business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Photo: pressmaster\/stock.adobe.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Intellectual property \u2013 or IP \u2013 refers to anything that has been created, like designs, inventions, brand names and literary works. Learn more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":25517,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[336,110],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[50],"class_list":["post-976","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-structure","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Everything you need to know about intellectual property law<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Intellectual property \u2013 or IP \u2013 refers to anything that has been created, like designs, inventions, brand names and literary works. 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