Protecting your intellectual property (IP)

Guidance on great.gov.uk

Understand what may class as Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is often a company’s most important and valued intangible asset. Patents, trademarks, design rights and copyrights can all be protected under IP laws.

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Protecting your IP should be a fundamental part of your exporting strategy. Even if you’ve protected yourself in the UK, you’re not automatically protected in other countries abroad. In most countries, the ‘first to file’ system exists, so act early before someone else does.

Guidance on GOV.UK

Understand local market IP laws

To protect your intellectual property when trading overseas or selling online to overseas customers, you usually need to apply for protection in each country you are trading in.

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Protecting and managing IP abroad can be very complex. You may want to file separate applications in individual countries or make use of an international process which allows you to file in several countries at once. Either way, you should always seek help from an IP attorney or other professional IP advisor.

Guidance on GOV.UK

Identify IP protection organisations

The organisation you need to contact for help protecting your IP overseas depends on the type of IP you want to protect and which market you are trading in.

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The Intellectual Property Office has several country and region-specific guides to help you protect and manage your intellectual property in overseas markets. Giving you advice and guidance on what to do and who to contact in your target market.

Guidance on GOV.UK

Contact the UK overseas intellectual property attaché network

Find contact details for IP liaison officers in Europe, Southeast Asia, China, Latin America, North America, Gulf States and India.

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The UK overseas intellectual property attaché network works with local DBT and FCDO colleagues to provide support for UK businesses seeking advice on local IP matters.

Guidance on GOV.UK

Using the UK overseas intellectual property attache network

The UK overseas intellectual property attaché network works with local DBT and FCDO colleagues to provide support for UK businesses seeking advice on local IP matters.

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The IP liaison officers also help to raise awareness of IP through business outreach. This includes briefing business delegations and liaising with host governments and stakeholders about local and international IP frameworks.