Knowledge
“Asking questions is the first way to begin change” – Kubra Sait
Intellectual property is one of the most complicated and unique areas of law, with a range of different legislative areas determining rights and responsibilities in the area.
In this section of the website, we present a set of articles answering the most frequently asked questions that we come across on a day to day basis and set out to explain the complicated area of IP in straight-forward terms.
IP Commercialisation
In the previous post on the subject of collaboration, I looked a joint ventures as an avenue to explore. Read my thoughts (and the pros and cons of JVs) here. Another way that businesses can collaborate is through licensing and collaboration agreements. In this post, I will look at the benefits and drawbacks of approaching collaboration…
IP Disputes
The same goes for IP. IP, being what it is, can be the lifeblood of businesses. Whether it’s: Core brand elements (logos, slogans, get-up, brand names) Creative outputs (images, music, websites, written material, videos…) Inventions (secret technology, formulations and processes…) Unique know-how (client lists, supplier lists, critical business info…) Designs (original 2D and 3D designs…)…
General
All too often in the news, you hear about companies being “forced to change their name” after receiving a letter from a solicitor, or something similar. As a solicitor, sometimes I wish my pen (or computer keyboard) was actually that powerful! Spoiler alert, it’s not. The short point is this; a letter from a solicitor…
IP Commercialisation
A joint venture can be a great way to set up collaboration with other businesses. In the second part of this series, I look at licensing and collaboration agreements as an alternative. So, you’re thinking about entering into a project or agreement with another company, and maybe together forming a new company. Great! But how…
Brand protection
We must admit, £4,000 does seem a large number to us. However, also we have extensive experience in helping people with DIY trade mark registrations. Indeed, we’ve covered some of the pitfalls of self-registering in previous blogs. In short, it is often disastrous. Generally speaking, the cost of registering a trade mark depends upon:…
Brand protection
I was aware of the clearance search process prior to beginning and I also knew that it is not uncommon for companies to carry out the process independently, often through the search tool on the government website. However, whilst making a search of my own, I found the process to be complex far beyond what…
IP Disputes
The answer in most cases is likely: yes. But there are many different reasons why! Without further preamble: here are 10 reasons if you’re in business, you need (or will need) a trade mark. “Do I Need A Trade mark”? 10 Things You Need to Know 1. Brand POWER Trade marks protect brands. Whether:…
Brand protection
Trade marks are the cornerstone of big brands. It could be the name that a company builds recognition around or many other things. (Like: logos, colours, shapes and even… smells!) Whatever it may be, big businesses spend a lot of time and money registering and enforcing them. But even so – it can often be…
Brand protection
In the world of online marketing, ownership over a conversation is very lucrative. Because of this, brands now use hashtags to guide engagement with their campaigns. What’s more – they have also started to trade mark hashtags to ensure they maintain control! (Although, actually doing this is another thing entirely…) So, trade marking a hashtag…
Brand protection
“Be the first, be the best, or be different.” Loretta Lynn likely didn’t realise this would become an oft-cited business mantra when she said it. But that is exactly what has happened. This approach, as a rule, is a great way to think about a few ways your business can stand apart. And it’s especially…
IP Disputes
Let me explain. GIFs as we well know are an image format which has become popular through their use in sharing short repeating animations. GIFs exist within the broader culture of “memes” which are now a staunch part of internet conversation. Alongside memes, GIFs are especially notable in their versatility with their meaning often defined…
IP Disputes
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness… It was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity… The famous introduction to Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is noted for it’s contrasts. The juxtapositions at…
Brand protection
In time, your marks become synonymous with the quality of your products and services. It’s how people differentiate you from your competitors. They can also make you money when you license them for others to use. So it’s important to do what you can to get it right. But what *exactly* makes a great trade…
IP Commercialisation
The franchisee trades under the brand of the franchisor, but operate as their own business. Examples of successful franchises include Subway, McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza and Burger King, where the smaller units cover a specific territory, making profit not just for the individual unit owner, but for the franchisor as well. It’s no coincidence that these…
IP Disputes
Marks tell people: Where marked goods or services have come from The quality expected of the goods and services That these goods and services are not made by competitors or that they originate from unofficial sources For example; a pair of Nike trainers likely include a “swoosh”/”tick” mark on their design. This expresses to the…
IP Disputes
Intellectual property (commonly known as IP), applies to creations of the mind and encompasses a variety of forms including, inventions, literary works, artistic works, designs, symbols, names and images used in commerce. Virtuoso Legal is a team of highly-trained copyright lawyers that can help you with any enquiries. If you have any intellectual property, it…
General
On the other hand, types of intangible assets include: Reputation or good will; And forms of intellectual property, such as: Unique knowledge and expertise; Inventions; Creative works like musical compositions, written works, video recordings and more Brand assets, logos etc. Original designs And much more In modern businesses, it is typical for company value to…
How can we help?
If you need assistance in any of these areas, get in touch with our world class solicitors.
Leeds 0113 237 9900
London 0207 412 8372
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