Protection of intellectual property and data protection

As the world evolves, intellectual property and your brand, are becoming increasingly valuable assets for both companies and individuals.  Both of those contribute towards your goodwill which will be a valuable asset in the event of a sale of your business.  It is therefore important to protect all your intellectual property rights and to pursue those who seek to infringe those rights.  We increasingly advise on copyright, design rights, domain names and trademarks.  We also undertake the assignment and sale of intellectual property rights including patents and have recently dealt with a transfer of Royal Warrants.  If you require us to review your intellectual property portfolio and advise you as to the best method of protecting the same, please get in touch. 

All businesses must now adhere to data protection principles.  Since the passing of the Data Protection Act the collection and storage of data from customers and/or employees and the retention of such data in paper or by way of electronic database imposes obligations which companies and individuals must adhere to.  We can and do advise on compliance with data protection laws and can offer guidance and assistance in putting in place policies and procedures to reduce the risks of infringement of those laws by you and your employees and to protect you in the event of investigation by the Information Commissioner.  Significant fines can be levied against offenders and it will give you confidence and protection to have in place properly drafted policies and procedures which are regularly reviewed.

In the first instance please contact Chris Blantern or, should he not be available, Robert Turner.