How to Protect an Idea in the UK – A Comprehensive Introduction

Photo by Riccardo Annandale on Unsplash

Words by Dr Martin Douglas Hendry

Ideas are the lifeblood of innovation and creativity. But the downside to having a great idea is that it can be easily stolen or copied, especially in today's fast-paced and highly competitive world. Fortunately, there are various ways to protect your ideas in the UK, and this is a speciality of IP law firms such as Virtuoso Legal. In this article, we will discuss some of the most effective methods for safeguarding your business’ intellectual property.

Types of Ideas That Can Be Protected

Before delving into the different methods of protection, it is important to understand the types of ideas that can be protected. In the UK, there are four main types of intellectual property that can be formally protected.

Note that this list is not exhaustive, and the methods and means of protecting ideas are as varied as the companies and ideas seeking to protect them.

Formalised rights that you can consider include:

• Trade Secrets: This includes confidential business information, such as formulas, processes, and techniques that give a company a competitive advantage.
  
  These are protected post-hoc should they be infringed upon but require a legally requisite level of secrecy in place to enforce. Doing so typically involves levels of access and various legal measures such as NDAs and confidentiality agreements.
  
  
• Trademarks: These are signs, logos, or symbols that identify a product or service and distinguish it from others in the market.
  
  These are registered rights which are protected by registering brand assets as trade marks at the relevant national IPO.
  
  
• Patents: Patents protect inventions, such as products or processes, and prevent others from using, making, or selling them without permission.
  
  These are often the most difficult rights to secure but are a strong way to protect an innovation.
  
  
• Copyright: This type of protection is given to original creative works, such as literary, artistic, and musical works, as well as computer programs.
  
  Copyright is automatic and comes into existence when an original work of the mind is rendered in a recorded form.
  
  
• Design rights: These protect the unique non-functional shape and surface of designs – including things such as ornamentation. These are typically seen in product design and packaging.
  
  There are forms of registered and unregistered design rights – and coverage differs in the UK and EU.

Protecting an Idea Through Confidentiality Agreements

Establishing a regime around trade secrets within a company is a complicated topic, worthy of its own dedicated blog. One of the legal mechanisms businesses put in place to maintain secrecy within an organisation, however, are confidentiality agreements and NDAs.

A confidentiality agreement, also known as a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), is a legally binding contract that prohibits one or more parties from disclosing confidential information to third parties. Confidentiality agreements are an effective way to protect trade secrets and other confidential business information.

Advantages of Using Confidentiality Agreements

One of the biggest advantages of using confidentiality agreements is that they can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the parties involved. For example, a company may require its employees to sign an NDA to ensure that sensitive business information is not leaked to competitors. In addition, NDAs can be used to protect inventions during the development process, or when presenting business ideas to investors.

Disadvantages of Using Confidentiality Agreements

One potential disadvantage of using NDAs is that they may not be enforceable in court. For example, if the terms of the NDA are too broad or ambiguous, it may be difficult to prove a breach of contract. In addition, if the confidential information has already been made public, an NDA may not be effective. As such it is important to speak to experts who are experienced in protecting business secrets via confidentiality to ensure that the agreements that are put in place will function as desired.

How to Create a Confidentiality Agreement

Creating a confidentiality agreement is a straightforward process. The agreement should include:

• The parties involved: The names and addresses of the parties involved should be clearly stated.
• The scope of the agreement: This should define the confidential information that is being protected and the period of protection.
• Exceptions to the agreement: The agreement should outline any exceptions to the confidentiality obligations, such as information that is already in the public domain.
• Consequences of a breach: The agreement should specify the remedies that will be available in the event of a breach of contract.

Ultimately, as above, it is worth speaking to an IP lawyer to ensure that this is drafted correctly, as a legal contract is only as efficacious as the words on the paper, and boilerplate templates will likely not stand up to a legal test in a dispute.

What to Do if a Confidentiality Agreement is Breached

If a confidentiality agreement is breached, there are several steps that can be taken:

• First, it is important to determine the extent of the breach and whether any damage has been done.
• If the breach has caused damage, the party that has suffered the damage may be able to claim compensation.
• Legal action may also be taken to prevent further disclosure of confidential information.
• In some cases, criminal charges may be brought against the person responsible for the breach.

At Virtuoso Legal we have enforced confidentiality, as well as protected persons (e.g., ex-employees of large businesses) who have had confidentiality and contractual claims brought against them. As above, the

At Virtuoso Legal we have enforced confidentiality, as well as protected persons (e.g., ex-employees of large businesses) who have had confidentiality and contractual claims brought against them. As above, the restrictions that an NDA or confidentiality agreement (or clauses in a contract) similar are only as strong as they are legally correct. As such, expert advice is recommended.

Protecting an Idea Through Trademarks

Trademarks are a valuable asset for businesses as they help to establish brand recognition and differentiate products or services from those of competitors. A trademark can be a word, name, symbol, or a combination of these that represents a business or its products. In the UK, trademarks are registered with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO).

Advantages of Using Trademarks

One of the main advantages of using trademarks is that they provide legal protection for your brand. Once a trademark is registered, the owner has the exclusive right to use it in relation to the goods or services for which it is registered. This means that others cannot use the trademark without permission.

Disadvantages of Using Trademarks

One potential disadvantage of using trademarks is that they can be expensive to register and maintain. In addition, if the trademark becomes generic, it may lose its legal protection. For example, the word "aspirin" was once a trademark, but it is now considered a generic term for a pain reliever.

How to Register a Trademark in the UK

Registering a trademark in the UK is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps involved:

• Conduct a trademark search: Before applying for a trademark, it is important to conduct a search to ensure that the proposed mark is not already registered. This can be done using the IPO's online trademark search service.
• Complete the application: The application for a trademark can be completed online or by post. It should include the proposed mark, the goods or services for which the mark will be used, and the name and address of the applicant.
• Pay the fee: There is a fee for trademark registration, which must be paid at the time of application.
• Wait for the IPO's decision: The IPO will examine the application to ensure that it meets the requirements for registration. If the application is approved, the trademark will be registered and a certificate of registration will be issued.

Notably, self-filing trade marks can lead to issues of either 1) a weak or non-enforceable mark being registered, or 2) oppositions or rejections from the examiner as the trade mark fails legal tests. In cases such as these, application fees are lost – as such it is recommended that you register via an experienced trade mark attorney who can minimize risk of setbacks and added cost.

What to Do if a Trademark is Infringed

If a trademark is infringed, there are several steps that can be taken:

• First, it is important to determine the extent of the infringement and whether any damage has been done.
• If the infringement has caused damage, the owner of the trademark may be able to claim compensation.
• Legal action may also be taken to prevent further infringement of the trademark, contact a professional before making any claim personally, as this can backfire under groundless threats provisions in UK law.
• In some cases, criminal charges may be brought against the person responsible for the infringement.

Often a strong letter before action can stop infringement in its tracks and reclaim damages. Contact an intellectual property specialist to discuss this more, as this has to be carefully prepared to maximise the probability of success and avoid risk of attempted enforcement backfiring.

Protecting an Idea Through Patents

Patents are a form of legal protection for inventions. They give the owner of the patent the exclusive right to use, make, and sell the invention for a certain period of time. In the UK, patents are granted by the IPO.

Advantages of Using Patents

One of the main advantages of using patents is that they provide legal protection for your invention. This means that others cannot use, make, or sell the invention without permission. In addition, patents can be a valuable asset for businesses, as they can be licensed or sold to generate income.

Disadvantages of Using Patents

One potential disadvantage of using patents is that they can be expensive to obtain and maintain. In addition, the patent application process can be complex and time-consuming.

How to Apply for a Patent in the UK

Applying for a patent in the UK involves several steps:

• Conduct a patent search: Before applying for a patent, it is important to conduct a search to ensure that the invention is not already patented. This can be done using the IPO's online patent search service.
• Prepare the patent application: The patent application should include a description of the invention, drawings or diagrams, and claims that define the scope of the invention.
• Submit the application: The application can be submitted online or by post. There is a fee for patent application, which must be paid at the time of submission.
• Wait for the IPO's decision: The IPO will examine word, name, symbol, or a combination of these that represents a business or its products. In the UK, trademarks are registered with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

Crucially, during the process of registering a patent, the invention must remain a secret and represent a novel step forward in the field. The process can be quite complex and requires a instructing a patent attorney (which is a separate profession in law from trade mark attorney and intellectual property solicitor) to register effectively. Again it is worth spending the time and money to get right – as a patent is costly to secure and maintain, and if not prepared properly can represent a significant waste of resources.

Protecting an Idea Through Design Rights

To register a Design Right in the UK, you must follow these steps:

Identify the design: Before registering a Design Right, it is important to identify the design that you want to protect. This may include the shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation of a product.

• Conduct a search: It is important to conduct a search to ensure that the design is new and has individual character. This will help to determine whether the design is eligible for Design Rights.
• Prepare and file an application: Once you have identified the design, you must prepare and file an application with the IPO. The application will include details about the design, as well as any relevant drawings or images.
• Wait for approval: After submitting an application, it may take several weeks or months for the IPO to review and approve the Design Right. If the Design Right is approved, a certificate of registration will be issued.

Unlike trade marks, registered designs are not examined, and will only fall foul of registrability issues should they be clear and obvious at the application stage, or when a dispute arises.

Advantages of Design Rights

Design Rights offer several advantages, including:

• Protection of the appearance of a product: Design Rights can help to ensure that the appearance of a product is protected, which can be important for businesses that rely on distinctive product designs.
• Exclusive use of the design: Registered Design Rights provide exclusive use of the design, which can help to prevent competitors from copying or imitating the design.
• Potential for licensing or selling the design: Design Rights can be licensed or sold to other businesses, providing a potential source of revenue.

Disadvantages of Design Rights

Design Rights also have some disadvantages, including:

• Cost: Registering a Design Right can be expensive, particularly if you want to protect multiple designs.
• Limited protection: Unregistered Design Rights provide limited protection, and may not be sufficient for businesses that rely heavily on distinctive product designs.

What to Do if a Design Right is Infringed

If a Design Right is infringed, there are several steps that can be taken:

• Determine the extent of the infringement: It is important to determine the extent of the infringement and whether any damage has been done.
• Legal action: Legal action may be taken to prevent further infringement of the Design Right. This may involve seeking an injunction or claiming damages.
• Criminal charges: In some cases, criminal charges may be brought against the person responsible for the infringement. Again this is typical when infringement forms part of broader counterfeiting and more serious criminal activity.

Conclusion

Protecting an idea is an important part of building a successful business. There are several ways to protect an idea in the UK, which include but are not limited to using trade secrets, trademarks, patents and design rights.

As we have seen above, each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to choose the one that best fits your needs. If you are unsure about how to protect your idea, it may be helpful to consult with an intellectual property lawyer who can provide guidance and advice. By taking the necessary steps to protect your idea, you can help to ensure that your business is successful and profitable for years to come.

​

Get in Touch

Conclusion

The role of IP law in international business is critical for protecting a company's innovations, creations, and branding. By understanding and properly managing their IP rights, businesses can secure their competitive advantage and ensure that they benefit from their hard work and investment. When expanding into new markets, it is essential for businesses to conduct thorough research and take steps to protect their IP to avoid potential problems and ensure their long-term success.

PEOPLE ALSO ASK...

Look at our other guides that relate to this topic here.

The role IP law in international business

The Role of IP Law in Business Acquisitions and Mergers

The impact of Brexit on UK intellectual property law

ABOUT VIRTUOSO LEGAL?

Virtuoso Legal is a team of intellectual property specialists based in Leeds and London - operating worldwide. Virtuoso Legal's team of IP experts have successfully tried cases in the IPEC, High Court, Court of Appeals and United Kingdom Supreme Court. In addition, the team assist companies in creating, commercialising and protecting the big ideas that make their business unique. The firm and its professionals are ranked yearly in legal directories such as the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, cementing their status as a Top 2% law firm in the world.

DISCLAIMER: The content within this post is for educational purposes only. Virtuoso Legal does not take any responsibility for those that use this information and waives any liability for any resulting effect on your personal or commercial circumstances. If you are experiencing an issue and need advice, we strongly encourage you to contact a solicitor to identify your best course of action.