Intellectual Property
Due to its intangible nature, intellectual property (IP) is often not recognised as an asset nor protected or exploited to its full potential. We have in-depth knowledge of all types of IP (which includes copyright, design right, registered designs, trade marks, patents, confidential information and know-how) and this underpins all our key focus areas. We take the time to understand our clients’ businesses in order to advise them on the following types of areas:-- identifying and protecting IP (e.g. conducting IP audits, advising on protection and registration)
- exploiting IP (e.g. licensing arrangements or assignments)
- agreements relating to research and development projects and related competition law aspects
- confidentiality and know how issues (e.g. confidentiality agreements)
We work with clients to enforce their IP rights and to prevent others abusing rights to which they are not entitled. Jo Pritchard and her dispute resolution colleagues have particular experience in dealing with:
- cost effective dispute resolution, e.g. use of mediation in place of trade mark opposition proceedings
- applications for immediate protection e.g. injunctions
- cross border issues which often arise in IP disputes
