Intellectual Property, often referred to as IP, is a term given to anything that has been created using the mind. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), these creations can be either an invention, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names and images used in commerce.

In order to avoid the stealing or copying of these creations, it is important to ensure your intellectual property has the right protection.

Intellectual Property Protection

Gov.uk states that ‘having the right type of intellectual property protection helps to stop people stealing or copying:

• the names of your products or brands
• your inventions
• the design or look of your products
• things you write, make or produce’

There are different types of IP Protection, some that are applied automatically and others that need to be applied for. Some types of protection include copyright, patents, designs and trade marks. To find out more about these types of IP Protection, visit the Careers Advice section of our website.

Who owns the Intellectual Property rights?

There are different ways of owning the IP rights of a creation. If you are the creator and you meet the requirements for either of the above types of protection, the IP rights of your creation belong to you.

You can also own the IP rights if you have purchased or obtained them from the original creator or from the previous owner.

It is important to note that, in regard to IP ownership rights, there can be more than one owner. These rights can also belong to people or businesses. IP rights do not have to stay with the original creator but instead can be sold or transferred to someone else or another business.