Intangible assets · UK business guide
Intellectual Property and Trade Marks
Identify what the business owns, what must be assigned or licensed and which names, designs or creative works need clearance or registration.
Your three-step checklist
- 01
Audit ownership
Trace founders, employees, contractors, licences and third-party material used by the business.
- 02
Clear the brand
Search earlier marks and identify the goods and services that matter before filing or launching.
- 03
Register and document
Use registrations, assignments, licences and contract terms that match actual ownership and use.
Selected reading
Understand the issue before deciding what to do next.
Start with these articles for the key rules and common decisions. Check the official sources for the current rule, then match any legal work to your situation.
Primary sources
Source links checked 1 August 2026. Confirm the current rule before acting.
Need help putting this into practice?
Put the right documents and advice behind your decision.
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. The right path depends on the entity, documents and commercial facts.