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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Helping you understand and protect your intellectual property.

General Intellectual Property (IP) Questions

What is intellectual property (IP)?

Intellectual property refers to legal rights that protect creations of the mind. These include brand names, logos, inventions, written works, artistic creations, product designs, and more.

What are the main types of IP?

In the UK and EU, intellectual property rights include:
• Trade marks – Protect brand names and logos
• Design rights – Protect the appearance of products
• Copyright – Protect creative and artistic works
• Patents – Protect technical inventions
• Trade secrets/confidential information – Protect commercially sensitive know-how.

What is a trade mark?

A trade mark is a sign that identifies and distinguishes the goods or services of one business from those of others. It can be a word, logo, slogan, design, sound, colour, or combination. In the EU, trade mark rights are usually acquired through registration. In the UK, rights can be acquired either through registration or through use (common law rights under the tort of passing off). However, registration is usually preferable as it provides stronger, faster, and easier-to-enforce protection.

What is a design?

A design refers to the visual appearance of a product, including shape, configuration, contours, patterns, and surface decoration. In both the UK and EU, design rights may arise through registration or automatically (as unregistered rights), though the scope and duration of protection differ.

What is copyright?

Copyright protects original creative works such as literary, artistic, musical, dramatic works, software, photographs, films, and broadcasts. In the UK and EU, copyright arises automatically upon creation - no registration is needed.

What is a patent?

A patent is a legal right that gives inventors the exclusive ability to make, use, sell, or licence their invention for a limited period - typically 20 years in the UK - provided the invention is new, inventive, and capable of industrial application.

What’s the difference between monopoly rights and rights to prevent copying?

• Monopoly rights (e.g. registered trade marks, registered designs, and patents) give you the right to stop others from using similar marks, designs, or inventions - even if they developed them independently.
• Rights to prevent copying (e.g. copyright and unregistered design rights) require you to prove copying. If someone independently created the same or similar work, there is no infringement.

Intellectual Asset Management (IAM)

Q: What is intellectual asset management (IAM)?

IAM is the strategic management of your intellectual property and associated assets. It includes not just acquiring IP rights, but also preserving, documenting, and enforcing those rights to protect your brand, creativity, and commercial value.

What IAM services do you provide?

Our IAM services include:
• Managing brand assets alongside trade mark registrations
• Custody and proof of ownership for copyright and unregistered design rights
• Evidence gathering for use, goodwill, and reputation
• Strategic advice for building and monetising IP portfolios

Working with Us

What does your firm specialise in?

We specialise in all areas of intellectual property law (apart from patent protection services), including:
• Trade mark registration, clearance, and enforcement
• Copyright strategy, licensing, and disputes
• Registered and unregistered design rights
• IP audits, brand protection, and IAM services

How much do your services cost?

We offer clear, fixed-fee pricing for many standard services. For more complex matters, we provide tailored quotes or hourly rates with full transparency.

Do you offer consultations?

Yes. We offer complimentary initial consultations to understand your needs and advise on the best IP protection strategy.

Can you help with IP disputes?

Absolutely. We handle:
• Trade mark oppositions and infringements
• Copyright takedowns and licensing disputes
• Domain name disputes
• Enforcement of design rights

Get in touch

IP and IAM enquiries

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General Intellectual Property (IP) Questions

Intellectual Asset Management (IAM)

Working with Us

Contact The Victor for Expert IP and IAM Assistance

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