How Do I Protect My Business Idea – Our Step By Step Guide

The law surrounding the protection of distinctive business ideas (such as business names, materials, inventions, and product designs) is known as Intellectual Property law. It is relevant to every type of business – from a family owned manufacturer of jewellery to a global brand like Coca-Cola.

What is Intellectual Property (IP)?

IP can be generated through commercial activities such as research and development, a manufacturing process or a creative action such as writing lyrics or a novel. There are four main areas of IP: copyright, trademark, design rights and patents.  All four types of IP can be protected at the UK Intellectual Property Office – but not all need to be.

1. Copyright applies to original work that is recorded in some way, such as written down, recorded video or sound. The author of the original work will have copyright in what they have created. Copyright is an automatic right – it can be registered, but doesn't need to be.