We have extensive experience in securing and defending registered rights, including patents, designs, and trade marks, which builds value from our clients’ ideas. But some value cannot be captured in registered rights, and we provide personalised advice and coaching on the protection of unregistrable copyright, know-how, and trade secrets.
A: Most businesses have more than one type of intellectual property, and the right combination depends on what you have created and what you are trying to achieve commercially. Patents protect technical inventions and processes. Trade marks protect your brand identity. Design rights protect the appearance of your products. Copyright arises automatically and protects original creative works. Know-how and trade secrets can also carry significant value and require procedural protection rather than registration. We help clients take stock of what they have, identify where the greatest value and risk lies, and build a protection strategy that reflects their commercial priorities.
A: Earlier than most people think. The most common and costly mistake is waiting until a product is ready to launch or funding is secured before seeking advice. By that point, public disclosures may have compromised patent eligibility, competitors may have filed first, or a brand name may already be registered by someone else. Engaging early allows you to file before disclosure, build a portfolio that grows alongside the business, and position the company more credibly for investment. There is rarely a benefit to waiting, and often a significant cost.
A: Ownership of IP is not always straightforward. In the UK, inventions made by employees in the course of their employment generally belong to the employer, but this is not always the case and the position can be more complex with founders, co-founders, contractors, or work carried out before a company was incorporated. IP developed prior to incorporation may remain with the individual unless formally assigned. It is important to audit the origins of your IP, ensure assignment agreements are in place where needed, and have clear contractual provisions covering future IP creation. We regularly advise on IP ownership structures for startups and growing businesses.
A: Patent attorneys and IP solicitors both work in intellectual property, but with different specialisms. Patent attorneys are technically qualified, they typically hold a science or engineering degree and have passed rigorous professional examinations covering patent law and practice. They are the specialists for drafting and prosecuting patent applications and advising on technical IP matters. IP solicitors tend to focus on transactional and contentious IP work such as licensing agreements, disputes, and litigation. At IP Asset, our team combines both technical depth and commercial expertise, allowing us to advise across the full range of IP activity without the need to involve multiple firms.
A: A well-structured IP portfolio can materially increase the value of a business. Patents, registered trade marks, and design rights are tangible assets that appear on a balance sheet and give investors confidence that the value of an innovation is defensible. For companies seeking investment or preparing for exit, IP is often a key diligence point. A strong portfolio signals that the business has taken ownership of its competitive advantage seriously. Conversely, gaps in IP protection, unregistered brands, unassigned founder IP, or technology that could easily be copied, can reduce valuation or complicate a transaction. Getting the foundations right early makes a material difference to outcomes later.
