Intellectual Property

New and inventive products and/or processes which are capable of industrial application.  A patent will provide a monopoly right over that product or process, providing it is ‘new’, so it is essential to speak confidentially to a solicitor from the start.

Of goods and services allowing distinctions to be made between different companies and brands.  A trademark is a form of registered protection, which provides the owner with a monopoly right as long as it is capable of graphical representation and above all does not describe that particular good/service.  A trademark can be registered in a number of different classes of goods/service which prevents competitors from using similar marks, so speaking with an experienced law firm such as Prosperity Law is vital to ensure protection.

Of whole or a part of a product resulting from the features of, amongst other things, the lines, contours, colours, shape, texture or materials forming part of the product itself. A design right can be registered or unregistered but is a useful form of protection to have on any product.

In all businesses in Manchester and the UK, whether starting up or established, confidential information can be vital to growth and thus needs protecting. It is important to not only contractually bind employees to keep information confidential but ensure any information given to third parties remains confidential. Generally speaking, if information is given in confidential circumstances (i.e. location, extent of information, importance of information) then it will be protected by confidentiality. However, due to the ambiguous nature of what constitutes ‘confidential information’, it is essential that you seek legal advice to be sure any private information is not at risk from becoming public knowledge.