Intellectual Property Articles

Expert articles and practical legal guides on intellectual property for uk businesses.

What Can Be Patented? (2026 Updated)

What Can Be Patented? (2026 Updated)

If you've built something new - a product, a process, or even a clever way of making something faster and cheaper - it's natural to wonder whether you can patent it. Patents can be one of the most...

1 January 2026
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Web Development Contract In The UK: Key Terms To Include

Web Development Contract In The UK: Key Terms To Include

Whether you’re launching a new website or rebuilding an outdated one, a well-drafted web development contract is what keeps your project on time, on budget and legally protected. It sets the rules...

1 January 2026
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Joint Venture Definition: What It Means In Business

Joint Venture Definition: What It Means In Business

Thinking about teaming up with another business to win a bigger contract, launch a new product or enter a new market? A joint venture can be a smart way to combine resources...

1 January 2026
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How Do Royalties Work? (2026 Updated)

How Do Royalties Work? (2026 Updated)

If you're creating content, building software, designing products, or licensing your brand, royalties can be a great way to earn ongoing income without selling your work outright. But "royalties" is...

1 January 2026
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Preparing An Evidence Of Prior Use Report (2026 Updated)

Preparing An Evidence Of Prior Use Report (2026 Updated)

If you've built a brand in the real world (or online) before filing a trade mark, you might be sitting on one of the most valuable legal assets you don't even realise you have: evidence of prior use....

31 December 2025
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How To Register A Trade Name In The UK

How To Register A Trade Name In The UK

Picking a great name for your business is exciting - it’s a big part of your brand and how customers remember you. But then comes the question most founders ask: how do...

31 December 2025
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Trademark Protection In The UK: Key Steps

Trademark Protection In The UK: Key Steps

Your brand is often the first thing customers notice - your name, logo, tagline and even your distinctive packaging. If you’re building a business you want to grow (and not have others...

31 December 2025
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How to Resolve Contractor Disputes in the UK

How to Resolve Contractor Disputes in the UK

Working with contractors can be a fast, flexible way to get specialist work done. But when deliverables slip, invoices escalate, or quality falls short, a contractor dispute can quickly derail your timelines...

31 December 2025
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What Is A Termination Clause In A Contract?

What Is A Termination Clause In A Contract?

Ending a business relationship cleanly is just as important as starting one well. That’s where a termination clause in a contract does the heavy lifting-spelling out when and how either side can...

31 December 2025
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Website Copyright In The UK: What You Need To Know

Website Copyright In The UK: What You Need To Know

Building a website is exciting - it’s your shopfront, your brand and often your main sales channel. But there’s a crucial piece many small businesses overlook: copyright on your website. Getting copyright...

30 December 2025
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Domain Name Trademark In The UK: What To Know

Domain Name Trademark In The UK: What To Know

Your domain is often the first place customers meet your brand. But owning a domain doesn’t automatically give you full legal rights over your brand name - that’s where trade marks come...

30 December 2025
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How To Buy A Trade Mark In The UK - And When To Register Instead

How To Buy A Trade Mark In The UK - And When To Register Instead

Your brand is often your most valuable business asset. Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, you might be weighing up a simple question: should you buy a...

30 December 2025
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Understanding Sui Generis Database Rights in the UK

Understanding Sui Generis Database Rights in the UK

If your business has invested time and money in building a customer list, product catalogue, pricing database, or a unique dataset that underpins your operations, you’ll want to protect it. That’s where...

30 December 2025
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Intellectual Property Clause: What To Include In Contracts

Intellectual Property Clause: What To Include In Contracts

If your business creates logos, software, content, designs or inventions, your contracts should make it crystal clear who owns the intellectual property (IP) and how it can be used. That clarity usually...

29 December 2025
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Internship Contract Template In The UK: What To Include

Internship Contract Template In The UK: What To Include

Bringing an intern into your business can be a great way to build a talent pipeline, get fresh ideas on projects, and give someone meaningful experience. But there’s a catch: under UK...

29 December 2025
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Bilateral Contract Example: Templates and Key Clauses

Bilateral Contract Example: Templates and Key Clauses

Most commercial deals you’ll do as a small business are bilateral contracts. In plain English, that means both sides promise to do something - like you provide goods or services, and your...

29 December 2025
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Sale Agreement Format: UK Template

Sale Agreement Format: UK Template

Whether you’re selling products, services, IP or a mix of all three, a clear, well-structured sale agreement is what turns a handshake into something legally enforceable. A good sale agreement format doesn’t...

29 December 2025
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How UK Registered Designs Work

How UK Registered Designs Work

If your business invests time and budget into how your product looks, a UK registered design can be one of the quickest, most cost‑effective ways to lock in legal protection. From packaging...

29 December 2025
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Clothing Franchises in the UK: Legal Steps and Key Documents

Clothing Franchises in the UK: Legal Steps and Key Documents

Opening a clothing franchise can be a smart way to enter retail with a proven brand, established supply chain and marketing support. You skip a lot of trial-and-error and leverage the franchisor’s...

28 December 2025
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Founder Of A Company: Roles And Legal Must-Haves In The UK

Founder Of A Company: Roles And Legal Must-Haves In The UK

Thinking about launching a new venture and calling yourself the founder of a company? It’s exciting - and it comes with real legal responsibilities from day one. As the person kicking things...

28 December 2025
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Master Franchisee in the UK: Meaning, Structure, and Legal Basics

Master Franchisee in the UK: Meaning, Structure, and Legal Basics

Thinking about scaling a brand across the UK without building every location yourself? Becoming a master franchisee could be the growth path you’re looking for. As a master franchisee, you acquire the...

27 December 2025
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UK Copyright Template: What To Include

UK Copyright Template: What To Include

Your brand, photos, product descriptions and blog posts are valuable assets. If they’re copied, it can damage your reputation and your bottom line. A well‑drafted copyright template can help you set clear...

26 December 2025
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How To Start A B2B Business In The UK: Legal Checklist

How To Start A B2B Business In The UK: Legal Checklist

If you sell products or services to other businesses rather than direct to consumers, you’re running a B2B (business-to-business) venture. The opportunity can be huge: higher order values, long-term contracts and repeat...

26 December 2025
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How Parody Law Works in the UK

How Parody Law Works in the UK

Parody can be a powerful tool for brands. A clever spoof advert, a tongue‑in‑cheek meme or a satirical product name can capture attention and signal personality. But there’s a fine line between...

26 December 2025
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