What type of intellectual property is right for you?

So you’ve got a new idea or initiative that’s worth protecting. There are many legal ways to protect it. But what is the best IP right for you? This tool helps point you in the right direction.

Disclaimer: This chart is only a guide. Individual circumstances
may result in different or multiple outcomes.

Is your idea a brand, product or process? Don’t understand the question? Learn more BRAND PRODUCT OR PROCESS Are any parts of your idea new? Don’t understand the question? Learn more NO YES Does this part serve a function? Don’t understand the question? Learn more NO YES Does the part have a new form? Don’t understand the question? Learn more NO YES Can the part be kept secret forever? Don’t understand the question? Learn more NO YES Is the part 2-D or 3-D? Don’t understand the question? Learn more 2-D 3-D TRADE MARKS Protects brands in the form of logo, name slogan, sound, colour, smell. LEARN MORE IP PROTECTION UNLIKELY It is unlikely you need IP protection, but please get in contact with us if you are unsure. GET IN TOUCH TRADE SECRET Protects know-how, confidential information and trade secrets. LEARN MORE PATENT Protects ideas and concepts embodied in products, formulations and processes. LEARN MORE REGISTERED DESIGN Protects the 3-D shape of a product and some 2-D designs such as the pattern on textiles. LEARN MORE COPYRIGHT Protects the expression of an idea but not the idea itself eg, art, film, music, writing. LEARN MORE