The importance of the
IP is often underestimated and, thus, easily overlooked. But remember that if
you fail to protect your IP, your whole business may be put at risk. On the
other hand, if you look after your IP rights, it is entirely up to you to take
advantage of your competitive edge.
Because IP assets
cannot be seen or touched it is sometimes hard to appreciate their true value.
However, a basic understanding of the law and its principles will help make sure
that you make the most of the mechanisms designed to protect
them.
For example, you
can protect:
-
the branding of
your goods or services using a registered trade
mark;
-
the way your
product looks using a registered design;
-
how the technology
works using a patent; and
-
any literature or artistic work using copyright.
Last changed: 01/12/2008
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