Protecting your valuable assets with our copyright legal services
Intellectual property is all around us – in every idea, in every product, in every design.
Intellectual property – it is not just a concept, it’s one of the most crucial elements of your business operations. From the essence of your brand to the intricacies of your innovations and processes, IP safeguards every element of your business. It’s woven into the very fabric of your products, it protects your identity and it will ultimately protect your future.
IP is the lifeblood of your business and in today’s digital world it is more important than ever. Securing your IP ensures you stay creative, competitive, protected and compliant.
At Shakespeare Martineau, we understand IP and the pivotal role it plays in the success of any business and we know how to protect it. With a wealth of expertise spanning all area of intellectual property rights, we will ensure you maximise the true value of your IP assets. From managing your brand portfolio management to comprehensive protection for your creative content and cutting-edge technology, our IP law specialists have a real depth of knowledge and experience
And we know too, that there will be times when your IP will be tested. Business activities will be questioned, others may try to capitalise on your efforts and success. Our IP litigation specialists will advise on the most appropriate route to stop those intent on exploiting your valuable IP for their gain. Our team has direct experience of some of the most complex IP disputes in this sector.
Nicholas Briggs
Partner & Head of Intellectual Property
Specialising in Intellectual Property law
Global reach, local expertise
As part of Multilaw – a global network of law firms in over 100 countries, we have strong international ties and one third to one half of our work is delivered for overseas companies, contributing to our wealth of experience within the team on a variety of matters from regional, to national and international presence. We are also active participants in INTA (International Trademarks Association), AIPPI (The International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property) and Marques.
Expert IP litigation across sectors
We act on a wide variety of actions in the Patents Court and wider High Court and have substantial experience of litigating in the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court with particular emphasis on patent, design and brand related work. The team acts for clients across a range of sectors and has particular experience of acting for clients in manufacturing, telecommunications, construction, retail energy, consumer products, healthcare, life sciences, transport, leisure and food and drink.
Specialised IP strategy and agreements
Alongside our work on overall IP strategy, policy, and wider commercial deals, we offer specialised non-contentious expertise in R&D, sponsorship, merchandise, publishing agreements, technology transfer, IP licensing, securitisation of IP assets, IP reorganisations and transfers and manufacturing and collaboration agreements.
Tier 1 IP expertise and excellence
We are ranked in Legal 500 under Tier 1 ranking in the East Midlands for our intellectual property service. This accolade reflects our unparalleled expertise and exceptional track record in delivering comprehensive IP solutions. Our clients benefit from our renowned legal acumen, strategic insights, and dedication to achieving outstanding results, ensuring that their intellectual property is effectively protected and optimised in a competitive landscape.
Why choose Shakespeare Martineau?
- Our team offer prompt and professional service, whether through in-person meetings or virtual consultations, you can trust that our advice will be timely and professional, helping you feel confident in your legal matters, every step of the way
- We provide advice that is not only pragmatic and quick but also easy to understand. Every lawyer in our firm is approachable, helpful, and committed to offering reliable legal solutions, making the process straightforward for clients
- Our clear and easily understandable approach has kept clients coming back for years, knowing they can depend on us for comprehensive legal support time and time again
- Our clients regularly highlight the exceptional expertise and professionalism of our lawyers. Our team cares deeply about every aspect of your case, ensuring you receive a thorough and attentive service
Our Intellectual Property legal services
Meet our Intellectual Property team
Carys Thompson
Partner & Head of Sheffield
Nicholas Briggs
Partner & Head of Intellectual Property
Ed Wright
Partner
Kerry Russell
Partner
Kim Walker
Partner
Mark Thompson
Partner
Mauro Paiano
Partner
Selina Hinchliffe
Partner
Trevor Fenton
Partner
Charlotte Cassells
Associate
Stewart Argo
Legal Director
Daniel Kelly
Associate
Reveka Athanasiadou
Associate
Asmee Dutt-Choudhury
Solicitor
Rosie Allen
Solicitor
Building a responsible business
Our commitment to sustainability and social impact
We are an accredited B Corporation that is committed to driving positive change in our communities, minimising our impact on the environment, and ensuring an all inclusive diverse and supportive culture for our people.
Wherever you are on your journey, our Intellectual Property specialists are here to answer any questions you might have
If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours
Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below
Call Us: 0330 024 0333
Intellectual Property FAQs
Our IP lawyers are at the forefront of emerging technology and trends to protect your business and maintain its competitive edge. With a wealth of experience across areas including; copyright, design rights, patents, trademarks, litigation and more, our specialist lawyers understand the value behind your IP assets and are dedicated to helping you maximise your businesses potential and growth opportunities.
What is intellectual property, and why is it essential for businesses and creators?
toggle accordionIntellectual property is made up of ideas that form your brand identity. Inspired by creativity and innovation, IP is the critical foundation that sets your business apart. In a digital world it has never been more important for businesses and creators to protect their IP and grow their business without the risk of that work being copied, stolen or infringing on someone else’s work.
Copyright underpins your business or creation and establishes its originality. While there is no register for copyright works in the UK, your creations can still be protected from being copied.
Trade marks, enable you to protect unique elements of your brand such as names and logos. Patents then protect specific inventions and prevent not only the copying of an invention but also anything that is too similar in nature, giving you an unparalleled advantage against competitors.
For highly confidential information, trade secrets can be created if they have significant commercial value – think Coca Cola formula. These can then be sold or licensed to relevant parties if necessary.
Your creation is your legacy and having your work infringed upon can be a very distressing time. If your work has been infringed you may seek to defend your work by using mediation, coming to a licensing agreement or taking legal action. You may also wish to report the crime to an IPO or Trading Standards, however you wish to take action, our trusted team of specialist IP lawyers are on hand to help.
Protecting your assets at the earliest opportunity is the best way to ensure your creation remains yours. While copyright is an automatic protection, you will need to register for patents and trade mark protection. You may also consider registering your business, products and any domain names to avoid having to rebrand your business. For anyone in contact with or working with you, you may consider confidentiality, non-disclosure or licensing agreements.
The length of copyright protection depends on the type of work, ranging from 25 – 70 years.
A patent is valid for 20 years after the filing date.
A trade mark must be renewed every 10 years.
A trade secret remains protected for an unlimited period of time, unless it is discovered or legally acquired.
Intellectual property can be bought, sold, inherited or transferred, whichever suits your needs best. You can license out your IP to other companies and you can also license in if you would like to use other companies IP to enhance your product/offering.
IP rights are territorial, and only provide protection in the countries they are granted/registered. Should you wish to protect your brand internationally, you will need to consider whether you file to individual countries or utilise the international process allowing you to file for multiple countries at once. Our team of dedicated experts are on hand to help you determine the best option for you and your business.
