Intellectual property

How to protect your business

If your business owns intellectual property, you need to know how to manage and protect it, to safeguard your innovations, designs or creative ideas. Read about the benefits of protecting your intellectual property, the types of protection available and learn about the relevant procedure(s) to follow to do so.

Not sure where to start?

Different rules apply depending on the type of IP involved, and these rules determine the scope and the duration of the protection.
Patents ensure other people cannot make, use or sell your patented product, without your permission. Trade marks protect brand identity, find out how to register yours and the EU rules that apply. For original literary, scientific and artistic work copyright allows you to control reproduction and distribution rights. Trade secrets offer vital protection for confidential business information, while design protection specifically covers the visual aspects of a product. Intellectual property also covers digital tools such as website domains, database protection. If your product has a specific geographical origin, it can be protected with a Geographical indication.

If you want to commercialise your intellectual property, read our guidance on licensing and selling intellectual property. Check how to claim your rights in case of an intellectual property right infringement.