Back to contents page

SECTION 6:

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY


In the UK, Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) include copyright, registered and unregistered design rights, patents, registered and unregistered trade marks, trade secrets and database rights. Less common IPRs protected by UK law also exist, such as plant variety rights and semiconductor topography rights.

There is a healthy respect for IPRs in the UK, with UK government research showing over half of UK investment in intangible assets was in assets protected by IPRs. The UK also has strong IP enforcement means in the form of its common law and court systems.

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is the main body responsible for granting UK patents, trade marks and design rights. It does not offer a copyright registry. The IPO also oversees IP policy, education, and enforcement.

Here, we have set out an overview of the key IP issues for businesses in the UK.

International treaties and Brexit

Trade marks (TM)

Patents

Designs

Copyright

Trade secrets and confidential information

Database right

Back to contents page

SECTION 6:

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY


In the UK, Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) include copyright, registered and unregistered design rights, patents, registered and unregistered trade marks, trade secrets and database rights. Less common IPRs protected by UK law also exist, such as plant variety rights and semiconductor topography rights.

There is a healthy respect for IPRs in the UK, with UK government research showing over half of UK investment in intangible assets was in assets protected by IPRs. The UK also has strong IP enforcement means in the form of its common law and court systems.

The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is the main body responsible for granting UK patents, trade marks and design rights. It does not offer a copyright registry. The IPO also oversees IP policy, education, and enforcement.

Here, we have set out an overview of the key IP issues for businesses in the UK.

International treaties and Brexit

Trade marks (TM)

Patents

Designs

Copyright

Trade secrets and confidential information

Database right

Previous section
Back to contents page
Next page
Previous section
Back to contents page
Next page

Copyright © 2025. “Womble Bond Dickinson”, the “law firm” or the “firm” refers to the network of member firms of Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited, consisting of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP. Each of Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is a separate legal entity operating as an independent law firm. Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited does not practise law. Please see www.womblebonddickinson.com/legal-notices for further details.