subject: Plan Protection Early with an IP Lawyer [print this page] In today's global economy, the risks of your product or concept being copied are greater than ever. Thanks to the instant nature of the internet, ideas can be spotted, and then copied, in very little time.The initial ideas behind protecting IP was borne from Western nations in the 19th century. It was not until the United Nations became involved and later the World Itellectual Property Organisation was created (1967) that the protection of legal IP rights was recognised on a global level.But while there is now a global legal framework for protection, it seems some cultures are still keener than others to challenge the convention that copying another's idea is illegal. Where Western nations acknowledge the protection of IP rights, this is not the case all over the world.The internet shows how many emerging nations use Western IP in order to make money and do not care about the infringment of rights. German car manufacturers have had problems with Chinese car companies copying their BMW and Mercedes models, the styling precisely mimicking their vehicles and as a result stealing sales. And a little time spent online will soon reveal many cheaper copies of Apple's big hit, the Iphone, most of them emanating from Chinese companies.In these circumstances, if your trademark, brand or individual IP has been registered (legally) by an IP lawyer, you can use the courts to restrict the actions of those who have copied the IP, you can also recoup any losses because of the infringement. The law should usually provide a positive outcome, while some governments and authorities take great pride in publicly demonstrating their attempts to counteract illegal copying of products, such as flattening copied CDs and DVDs with a road roller.However, taking legal action cannot be expected to be quick or simple, and the message from the above examples is clear; it is sometimes a good idea to forward plan how you will protect your IP by speaking with an IP lawyer, this should be done before informing others about your idea/project. In the heat of business, even staff and trusted subcontractors could easily be guilty of taking a concept, and developing it for their own benefit outside of the premises or project team where they are working.
Plan Protection Early with an IP Lawyer
By: Tim Bishop
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