Intellectual property

Advice in relation to all aspects of the creation, protection, licensing and use of copyright, trade marks, patents, design rights, image rights, trade secrets and know-how.

For many organisations, intellectual property represents one of their most valuable assets. However unlike other, physical assets, intellectual property is unique in its need for legal protection and requires special handling in order to ensure effective commercial exploitation.

Weightmans' Intellectual Property team has considerable expertise in this key area of modern business. Our specialist lawyers have sector experience in every aspect of IP, including confidential information, trade secrets, copyright, design rights, image rights, know-how, patents and trade marks (including protection and registration), licensing, technology transfers, data protection,  e-commerce and disputes and litigation.

As a client, you can expect to receive a service that is totally results-driven. We understand that contractual relationships work best as partnerships, so we aim to help build on those arrangements in order to help you achieve your business goals. At the same time, we seek to conduct negotiations that bring long-term benefits for all parties.

Our wealth of technical expertise and experience in the field has been recognised by the Legal 500.  John Schorah, the head of our Corporate department, was previously MD of a leading software publisher, which means that we understand the commercial issues involved and the impact on the industry of new and emerging technology.

With a full awareness of the commercial background, members of our team also advise on the supply and procurement of IP, software development and publishing, protection and registration, website development and hosting, domain name disputes, seed fund investment and data processing.

We act for a wide range of clients, from institutional investors to biotech companies and from software developers to digital content and service providers, telecommunication, and e-businesses.  We have advised in relation to contracts with global technology companies such as Microsoft, Intel, Compaq, Sony, Packard Bell, Hewlett Packard and ICL.

We are regularly involved in transactions and funding with multi-million dollar values and international agreements with foreign jurisdiction issues in North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and Japan.  We also advise many local authorities, PCTs, police authorities and other public bodies in relation to the procurement of IP and related services.