World IP Day

Intellectual Property (“IP”) can be one of the most valuable business assets but it is generally overlooked and misunderstood. IP is a generic term for copyright, patents, industrial designs and trademarks.

All businesses will have some form of IP whether it is in their name and logo, the written materials they produce or in some cases the designs of products that they make and manufacturer.  It is important for businesses to recognise their IP and protect it and also be aware of other’s IP.

World IP Day is on 26th April 2012 and was started by the World Intellectual Property Organization (“WIPO”). They chose April 26th as this is the date on which the Convention establishing WIPO originally entered into force in 1970.

The aims of World IP Day are:

• To raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life;
• To increase understanding of how protecting IP helps promote creativity and innovation;
• To encourage respect of the IP rights of other.

The theme of this year’s World IP Day is “Visionary Innovators”: behind every great innovation, either artistic or technological, is a human story – a tale in which new pathways open as a result of the curiosity, insight or determination of individuals.

If you would like further details about World IP Day please visit the WIPO website   If you would like to find out more information about Intellectual Property Rights and how these can be protected please contact Amy Kerr or submit an online enquiry.

Article written by Amy Kerr, Solicitor, Company Commercial Team