Intellectual property is receiving greater awareness, value and protection as the world moves towards a knowledge economy on a global scale. Ideas, information and expertise can be valuable assets. Intellectual property (IP) covers a wide range of creative productions and intangible assets (property that not is not a physical object). Examples of IP assets include: 

• inventions; 
• scientific discoveries; 
• literary and artistic works; 
• designs; 
• symbols,
• names and images used in commerce and 
• confidential information.

IP is divided into two general categories:

• Industrial Property including patents for:

1. inventions,
2. trade marks and 
3. industrial designs.

• Copyright which relates to artistic creations including: 

1. literary works (for example, books, poems and plays), 
2. films, 
3. music, 
4. artistic works (for example, paintings, sketches, sculptures and photographs) and 
5. architectural design. 

• Copyright has also been extended beyond the artistic realm to include some industrial creations such as computer software which is protected as a literary work.
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• We will help you when grappling with the mental gymnastics involved in understanding the requirements of IP legislation and the regulatory regime. We will help you evaluate your options and understand the practical consequences of the various choices available to you.
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• Get the timing right: Trade mark rights should also be considered at the outset to ensure there are no obstacles to use and registration of your brand. This will help you avoid the expense and embarrassment of rebranding.
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• IP remains an administrative process with many technicalities, traps and tricks. IP lawyers who work with the registration procedures on a regular basis can often identify the best path to secure registration. They can also advise you on strategies that assist in protecting your commercial activities.
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• Ownership of an IP right may have no value if it is not defended. There is a great deal of skill in knowing how to enforce IP rights against third party use through formal demand, complaints, and infringement proceedings.
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• You will also need a specialist lawyer’s help if a third party claims you or your business have breached their rights. A skilled IP professional can help you attempt to resolve a dispute and avoid litigation.