Intellectual Property (IP)

Making the right decision on Intellectual Property or IP is critical to ensuring that both your creations or inventions are protected and you don’t infringe on other people’s ideas.

Our advice

Intellectual Property isn’t just about patents. There are many different ways to protect your designs and which ones you need will depend on what you’ve created and what it will be used for. The four main areas are Patents, Designs, Trademarks and Copyright. Visit the Intellectual Property Office website to see detailed explanations for each term.

If you are looking to undertake this process, good advice is critical. A starting point can be personal recommendations through friends and contacts but taking time to read into the topic to build up general knowledge and understanding is equally important. To ensure that you speak to the right organisation who can provide you with the specific guidance, it is worth taking a look at the following:

• Other legal advisors or organisations 
• 'The Network Map’ on Design Network North’s website is also worth also features the best regional advisors and organisations in the North East.

How Design Network North can help?

Design Network North can support you through this process by determining whether we can help you with specific design related requirements or general advice. However if we are unable to help, we will put you in touch with the right contact and organisation who can support your business. For more information or advice, click here.

RTC North has been involved in protecting innovative ideas for 20 years. Our team includes professional IP lawyers and patent agents who we call upon to support our technical marketing consultants and IP managers and ensure we get the most out of your new ideas. For more information, click here

Follow the links under on the left hand side of the page for more information.