Protecting your trademarks, patents, designs and copyright abroad.
Intellectual Property (IP) rights are territorial. You should consider getting IP protection if you want to trade overseas or sell to overseas customers via the internet. Start by developing an international strategy, identifying your markets, business goals and resources.
Protecting and managing IP abroad can be very complex. For example, you will need to decide whether:
- to file separate application in individual countries
- or make use of an international process which allows you to file in several countries at once
You can seek help from an IP attorney or other professional IP advisor.
Wherever you want to do business, it is important that you understand the steps you should take to protect your IP before entering the market. It is a lot easier to jump over any hurdles before realising it might be too late to act. You will also need to do some research to make sure you’re not infringing someone else’s IP.
For further information visit International IP service - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)