Patents/Intellectual Property

Q: I believe that I have come up with a brand new business idea. How can I stop other people copying my idea?

You can't stop the determined copier (unless you are prepared to go to court). However, it is possible to deter such people by demonstrating that you have IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) and even possibly Litigation Insurance. IPR comes in many forms: Patent; Copyright; Trade Mark; Registered Design; Design Rights; Web Address (URL); etc.

Q: What is a Patent?

A Patent is granted by a Nation State (e.g. the UK) or a group of countries (e.g. the EU). It is a bargain between the State and you the Inventor. The state gives you a monopoly on your idea for 20 years in exchange for a complete description of how your idea works (called a Patent). In 20 years time every citizen of the State may use your patent for free. You can print your granted patent number on all correspondence, publicity material and the product itself to deter would-be copiers.
You must appreciate that not everything can be patented. It must pass certain tests. To find out what qualifies for a patent contact one of the organisations below.

Q: What is Copyright?

Unlike a patent (which protects an idea), copyright protects the description of an idea. You do not have to register copyright, just write "© this year, your name" at the bottom of every page (e.g. © 2002, Joe Bloggs). The copyright lasts for 70 years after your death. In IPR terms, Copyright is not as strong as Patent. It is the best protection for literary works, music, instruction manuals, etc.

Q: What is Trademark?

A trade mark is a sign (e.g. words, logos, photos and a combination of all) which distinguishes the goods and services of one trader from those of others. Most companies would like their products or services to be instantly recognisable by their potential customers. Some companies spend enormous amounts of money to make sure that you remember them, e.g. the "Yellow M" of McDonalds, or the "tick" of Nike.

For further information contact:

Intellectual Property Office
Concept House
Cardiff Road
Newport
South Wales
NP10 8QQ

Tel: 0845 9 500 505
Fax: 01633 813600
enquiries@ipo.gov.uk
www.ipo.gov.uk

Patent Advice Centre
Tel: 0191 260 3250
Fax: 0191 260 3189
patents.advice@newcastle.gov.uk

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