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Intellectual Property (IP) Solicitors

Q: Do I need to register IP internationally?

You need international IP registration if you sell products or services abroad, as UK registrations only protect you within the UK. Most businesses protect IP in their top 3-5 trading markets first, using central registration systems such as an EU trade mark (which covers 27 member states) or the Madrid Protocol (which covers up to 130+ countries in one application). We help with international protection strategies, including UK, EU, and global filings.

Forbes Solicitors’ Intellectual Property team delivers dependable, tailored legal support to individuals, start-ups and established businesses looking to safeguard their creative assets. We cover everything from trade mark registration and portfolio management, to IP disputes, licensing and commercialisation. Our trusted and practical approach means you can focus on your ambitions, while we protect what makes your business unique. If you need clear, expert guidance or want to discuss a specific issue, please get in touch with our approachable Intellectual Property solicitors today.

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Why Intellectual Property Law Matters

Intellectual property represents the outcome of innovation and can be incredibly valuable for your business. Not protecting your IP rights can result in loss of revenue, copycat products, a dilution of your brand or reputational harm. By acting early with specialist advice, you can secure commercial advantage, deter infringement, and increase the value of your business. For many businesses, especially those in tech, retail and creative fields, IP can provide a significant competitive advantage, making robust protection essential.

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Intellectual Property Advice tailored to you

Trade Mark Registration

Trade Mark Infringements

International Trade Mark Registration

Passing Off Claims

Design Rights

Licensing Intellectual Property Rights

Confidential Information and Trade Secrets

Transferring Intellectual Property Rights

Opposing a UK trade mark application

What are Intellectual Property Rights?

Intellectual Property rights provide legal protection over creations of the mind; like inventions, brands, creative works and designs. It allows you to control how others use your ideas, products, and identity.

Typical intellectual property rights include:

Trade marks: Names, logos, branding symbols, slogans, packaging materials and, in rare cases, products themselves.
Copyright: Original works that are the result of independent creation by their author, such as written work, music, films, artwork and software
Design rights: Shape, configuration or appearance of products
Patents: Inventions, innovative technologies, new processes and products
Trade secrets/confidential information: Business know-how or sensitive data (valuable business secrets that would cause harm if they were in the public domain)

Our team advises on securing these rights, commercialising your assets and defending your IP from infringement.

Safeguard Your Brand, Speak to an Expert Today

What are Intellectual Property Rights?

Typical intellectual property rights include:

Trade marks: Names, logos, branding symbols, slogans, packaging materials and, in rare cases, products themselves.
Copyright: Original works that are the result of independent creation by their author, such as written work, music, films, artwork and software
Design rights: Shape, configuration or appearance of products
Patents: Inventions, innovative technologies, new processes and products
Trade secrets/confidential information: Business know-how or sensitive data (valuable business secrets that would cause harm if they were in the public domain)

Our team advises on securing these rights, commercialising your assets and defending your IP from infringement.

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Intellectual Property FAQs

What qualifies as intellectual property?

Intellectual property covers creations of the mind, such as inventions, brand names, logos, original designs, written works, software, and trade secrets. If you’ve invested thought, creativity, or resources, it’s possible that you have IP worth protecting.

How do I protect my brand?

To protect the brand you have created, you should consider registering it as a trade mark through the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), which typically takes 3-4 months and costs from £170 for one class. We will assess your needs and guide you through the best strategy for securing legal protection of your brand. It may (whether alternatively or in conjunction) be advisable to also apply for a design or patent.

Should I carry out due diligence on my brand?

Yes. Because registered trade marks provide exclusivity for their goods and services, you should carry out due diligence on the trade mark before applying for its registration (or using it). We have searching software that can assist with this due diligence.

Can I stop someone from copying my brand?

Possibly. It depends on what protections you have in place and how the brand has been copied. Enforcement typically involves sending a “cease and desist” letter, followed by court action if infringement continues. We can help stop infringement through negotiation, or formally by legal action where needed.

What is the difference between a trade mark and copyright?

Trade marks and copyright protect different business assets: trade marks safeguard your brand identity (names, logos, slogans and packaging) and should be registered (although goodwill can be protected on an unregistered basis), while copyright automatically protects original creative content (writing, music, software, artwork) without registration required. It is possible that a trade mark and copyright may subsist in the same asset.

Somebody is using my name but I don’t have a registered trade mark, what can I do?

This depends on a number of factors, including when you started using the name, where it has been used and on what scale, as well as what and where the third party has used the name. It may be possible to initiate proceedings for passing off, which protects unregistered goodwill.

Do I need to register IP internationally?

You need international IP registration if you sell products or services abroad, as UK registrations only protect you within the UK. Most businesses protect IP in their top 3-5 trading markets first, using central registration systems such as an EU trade mark (which covers 27 member states) or the Madrid Protocol (which covers up to 130+ countries in one application). We help with international protection strategies, including UK, EU, and global filings.

How long does IP protection last?

Timeframes vary. Copyright usually lasts for the creator’s life plus 70 years (though this can vary by work type), trade marks can be renewed for indefinite 10 year periods, and patents last up to 20 years. We can explain the rules for your specific rights.

Speak to an Intellectual Property Solicitor Today

Ready to secure, exploit, or defend your intellectual property? Speak to our specialist Intellectual Property solicitors for experienced, straightforward advice. Call 0333 207 1130 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of our friendly team will be in touch without any obligation.

Who We Help

We support start-ups, entrepreneurs, SMEs, leading corporates, creative agencies, manufacturing businesses, and international clients with UK-based IP concerns.

Our Intellectual Property Legal Process

Consult: We listen to your objectives and assess your IP.
Advise: We provide honest, tailored guidance and outline your options.
Represent: We register, licence, or defend your IP interests professionally.
Resolve: We resolve disputes or secure outcomes- always keeping you informed.

Useful Intellectual Property Resources

The team has consistently demonstrated exceptional responsiveness, ensuring that all inquiries and concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. Their legal expertise is always up-to-date, reflecting a thorough understanding of current laws and regulations.

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The team exhibits a strong commercial acumen, providing advice that is both legally sound and commercially viable. This balance of legal and business insight is highly appreciated.

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The team are friendly and approachable. Their professionalism is complemented by a genuine willingness to assist, making interactions both productive and pleasant.

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Daniel Fletcher stands out in this field. What sets them apart from competitors is their combination of friendliness, responsiveness and commercial acumen.

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I highly recommend the Forbes Intellectual Property department for their outstanding service and expertise.

Legal 500

Daniel Fletcher's friendly nature makes interactions pleasant and productive. His commercial-minded approach ensures that the advice he offers is practical and aligned with business goals, making him a trusted adviser.

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