ARTICLE · 12 JULY 2017

IP Rights And Innovation In The Nuclear Industry

Abel & Imray

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At first glance, perhaps not – patents afford a 20 year monopoly, but the regulatory approval processes surrounding new build are lengthy and necessitate early disclosure.

United KingdomIntellectual Property

Should the nuclear sector worry about intellectual property (IP)?

At first glance, perhaps not – patents afford a 20 year monopoly, but the regulatory approval processes surrounding new build are lengthy and necessitate early disclosure. Ownership of IP rights can also be complicated by the number of stakeholders - investors, designers, shareholders and Governments in the UK and abroad. Besides, what use are IP rights if your business has been successful without them so far?

If you are innovating, or solving problems, however small, you already own IP. The IP in your inventions can be protected, primarily through patents, and can strengthen your business. Patents protect the innovative solutions you've devised to solve a technical problem.

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