Intellectual property – is yours protected?

A new, accessible guide takes you through the legal steps of guarding engineers’ intellectual property, from trade secrets to trade marks.

Intellectual property (IP) is the legal product of original thought, invention and creativity.

Engineers with an understanding of intellectual property rights can future-proof a business. They can create – and extract – tangible value from their work. But not all engineers are aware of the benefits of IP and IP rights should be applied.

With emerging technologies becoming the key to Britain’s future as an engineering nation, protecting valuable intellectual property is more important than ever.

International law firm Bird & Bird has over 100 years of IP expertise, and has worked with many of the world’s leading innovators. In collaboration with the Institution, Bird & Bird has devised the Intellectual Property Guide for Engineers, to help engineers in large companies, SMEs and as individuals, protect and exploit their work.

The guide introduces the IP rights available in the UK, and explains how they can be used to protect a range of work produced. It outlines some of the considerations surrounding the exploitation of IP rights in the UK; explains technical terms; and puts into plain language the broad structure, scope and infringements associated with IP law.

There is a reference table to help you quick-check IP rights; and an in-depth case study illustrates how these rights may be identified and exploited in practice.
The guide has been written by IP experts at leading law firm Bird & Bird.

“At the core of an engineer’s role is innovation. This guide aims to provide engineers with a practical understanding of how IP protection can facilitate innovation, whilst protecting the investment made in development. Using the guide can enable engineers to spot opportunities for the effective use of IP rights and take positive steps to act upon them,” said Robert Williams, a Partner at Bird & Bird.

Alastair Barr, the Institution’s Head of Commercial Development, commented: “We asked Bird & Bird to produce this guide as we know that IP can be confusing for many engineers.  Yet it can be of great value to both individuals and businesses.  IP is not given the priority it should and is sometimes overlooked or misunderstood.”

Use the guide to develop your knowledge and enhance your business:

• Protect innovation – through effective understanding and use of patents and trade secrets
• Protect documents, software, drawings and data – relying on copyright, design rights and database rights
• Protect brands – by registering a trade mark and understanding the concept of passing off
• Exploit intellectual property – recognise the areas where tax, licences and technology transfer apply

With top tips; outlines of the key elements to consider in different areas of the process; and a range of little-known facts, the Intellectual Property Guide for Engineers is a must-read for all engineers who desire to strengthen, develop and derive revenue from the work they do.

We would like to get your feedback and to know of any issues or questions you have about Intellectual Property. If you do have a question or some feedback, please email: services@imeche.org.