Intellectual Property Law
Protect, manage, and monetise your most valuable business assets
In today's knowledge economy, intellectual property is often a company's most valuable asset. Your brand, your innovations, your creative works, and your confidential know-how can be worth more than physical assets, but only if properly protected.
At Modern Legal, we help businesses identify, protect, and leverage their intellectual property. Whether you're registering a trademark, licensing technology, or pursuing infringers, we provide practical, commercially-focused advice that protects what you've built.
We work with businesses across sectors, from tech startups protecting their innovations to established brands defending their market position. Our approach is always proportionate: we focus on protection that makes commercial sense, not IP strategies that cost more than they're worth.
What We Help With
Comprehensive corporate legal services to support your business at every stage.
Trademarks
Protecting your brand identity through trademark registration and enforcement.
- UK trademark applications
- International registrations
- Trademark searches
- Opposition proceedings
- Brand portfolio management
Patents
Securing protection for your inventions and technical innovations.
- Patentability assessment
- Patent application support
- Freedom to operate advice
- Patent licensing
- Invention disclosure procedures
Copyright
Protecting and exploiting your creative works, software, and content.
- Copyright ownership advice
- Licensing agreements
- Software copyright
- Content protection strategies
- Moral rights
Trade Secrets
Protecting your confidential business information and know-how.
- Trade secret audits
- Confidentiality agreements
- Employee IP provisions
- Information security policies
- Misappropriation claims
IP Licensing & Commercialisation
Monetising your IP through licensing, assignment, and strategic partnerships.
- Licence agreements
- Technology transfers
- Franchise agreements
- Royalty structures
- IP due diligence
IP Disputes & Enforcement
Protecting your rights when others infringe, or defending against claims.
- Cease and desist letters
- Infringement claims
- Domain name disputes
- Counterfeit actions
- IP litigation support
Our Approach
A straightforward process designed to get you the right advice efficiently.
IP Audit
We identify what IP you have, what needs protection, and what risks you face.
Protection Strategy
We develop a proportionate protection plan based on your business priorities and budget.
Implementation
We handle registrations, draft agreements, and put protective measures in place.
Ongoing Management
We help you maintain, enforce, and evolve your IP protection as your business grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a trademark and copyright?
Trademarks protect brand identifiers (names, logos, slogans) that distinguish your goods or services. Copyright protects original creative works (text, images, software, music). Different assets need different protection strategies.
Do I need to register my trademark?
While you have some rights in unregistered marks through use, registration provides much stronger protection. It gives you a monopoly right, makes enforcement easier and cheaper, and deters potential infringers.
How long does trademark registration take?
UK trademark registration typically takes 4-6 months if unopposed. We can file your application within days of instruction, and the UKIPO examines applications relatively quickly.
What if someone is infringing my IP?
We'll assess the infringement and your options. This might range from a cease and desist letter (often effective and inexpensive) to formal legal proceedings. We always consider proportionality and commercial reality.
Who owns IP created by employees?
Generally, IP created by employees in the course of their employment belongs to the employer. However, contracts should be clear on this, and there are important exceptions. We help ensure your employment contracts properly address IP ownership.
Do I need international protection?
IP rights are territorial, a UK trademark doesn't protect you in the US or EU. If you trade or plan to trade internationally, you may need protection in other jurisdictions. We can advise on cost-effective international strategies.
Ready to Protect Your Intellectual Property?
Book a free consultation to discuss your IP needs and how we can help protect your valuable assets.