This weeks lecture Topic was on “Intellectual Property” and how to protect our work. Daniel said there is further information on the Gov.uk website.
What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual Property is original work that anyone creates themselves. E.g a product, brand name, documents. They can also retain rights of particular product if they have bought rights.
Copyright
Copyright is an automatic right and arises whenever an individual or business creates a piece of work. It’s important the work is original and shows a level of skill.
Examples of Copyright:
- Literacy
- Dramatic
- Musical
- Artistic
- Typographical
- Sound Recording
- Film
- Software
Copyright length will be in place from date of publication and last number of years or once a the original author or creator dies.
Patent
A lengthy and extensive process that grants the Patent holder the right.
TM/Trademark
Trademark is Similar to copyright it prevents individuals using your work. You doesn’t need to register a trademark to receive protection. Registered trademarks are renewed every 10 years. Goods are listed in classes 1 to 34. Whereas services are listed in classes 35 to 45.
R stands for Registered Trademarks
Examples: Head & Shoulders, Coca-Cola, McDonalds and Nike
NDA
An NDA is a contract through which various parties agree not to disclose information covered by the agreement.
Types:
- Unliteral (Common one)
- Mutual
- Multilateral
Tips
- Anyone how is not willing to sign a contract walk away from people.
- Make sure nothing is hidden in small print
At the end he spoke about Investment and Ownership.
When starting up a company it is first started, it’s 100% owned by the company’s founders. Once your business expands you’ll have to give some percentage of ownership. Only expect funding when you need it.
Reflection
After todays lecture I felt I am now more aware of Intellectual Property and how I can use them when producing my designs. This will be important for any future projects.