Intellectual Property

Intellectual property forms a fundamental part of much of the work carried out by the Media team. Work in this field is undertaken not just in relation to clients operating in the media and entertainment industries but across the full spectrum of commerce.

Every business will have original copyright material which is in daily use - brochures, training manuals, photographs and other illustrations, promotional and advertising material. It is important to ensure that a business has the right to use this material as and when required.

Every business also uses trade marks - whether or not these are registered. The term "trade mark" not only describes registered marks indicating the names and/or logos under which a business trades, and it has come to be known, even though it is not registered. In this era of instant global access, the value of trade marks is extremely important and so therefore is the need to protect them. We advise all our clients to register any trade name or logo that is of value to their business as it provides far stronger rights to the mark and protection against infringement.

In addition to advising on specific matters that may arise in the commissioning and use of copyright, trade marks, design rights and other intellectual property, the Media team is also frequently retained by clients in all sectors of industry to undertake intellectual property audits. Very often such a process may be important if a company is looking to raise investment from a venture capitalist or bank or is in the process of merger and/or acquisition activities. An audit will extend not only to an analysis of the extent of the rights that attach to the use of intellectual property but also to ensure that the intellectual property may be lawfully used.