FAQs

The key is aligning IP protection with commercial value. If you’re unsure whether your portfolio is too lean or too bloated, a strategic IP audit can help. We assess which assets are delivering real business value, highlight any gaps that leave your innovation exposed, and identify overlaps or redundant filings that may be draining budget. This ensures your IP protection is efficient, cost-effective, and built to support your competitive position.

Expanding your intellectual property protection globally means facing a patchwork of IP laws — what’s protected in one country may be vulnerable in another. To safeguard your trade marks, designs, and patents internationally, it’s essential to use systems like the Madrid Protocol for trade marks, the Hague Agreement for designs, and the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) for patents.
These frameworks simplify the filing process, but navigating them effectively requires local insight and global strategy. At Stratagem, we manage international IP portfolios with precision — helping you protect your rights across borders, avoid jurisdictional pitfalls, and ensure your brand and innovations stay secure as you scale worldwide.

When your intellectual property is infringed — whether it’s your brand, product design, or patented innovation — taking swift, strategic action is essential. Ignoring the issue can lead to loss of market share, weakened brand credibility, and long-term revenue damage. The best course of action depends on the situation: it may involve a cease-and-desist letter, negotiation, or formal legal proceedings.
At Stratagem, we assess the nature and scale of the infringement, gather supporting evidence, and recommend a commercially sensible enforcement strategy that protects your rights without unnecessary disruption. Our approach ensures your IP remains a valuable, defendable business asset.

Not at all. In fact, creating an intellectual property strategy early — even before filing your first patent or trade mark — can be a powerful move for your business. A proactive strategy helps you identify what’s worth protecting, when to act, and where protection will deliver the most commercial impact. It also reduces the risk of losing valuable rights through premature disclosure.

Even if you haven’t secured any formal IP protection yet, building a clear roadmap ensures that your decisions are aligned with your product development, funding plans, and commercial priorities. At Stratagem, we regularly work with founders and early-stage businesses to develop forward-thinking IP strategies that turn future ideas into investable assets — long before the first application is filed.

Your IP strategy isn’t something to set and forget — it should evolve as your business does. The most effective IP strategies are dynamic, adapting to new challenges, opportunities, and commercial priorities. We recommend reviewing your strategy before key business milestones, such as product launches, funding rounds, market expansion, or entering strategic partnerships.

For fast-growing companies or those operating in competitive sectors, these moments can come quickly and frequently. Regular check-ins ensure your patents, trade marks, and other IP assets remain aligned with your goals, protect your innovation pipeline, and continue to deliver commercial value. At Stratagem, our intellectual property strategy services include ongoing support to help you reassess, refine, and stay ahead — whatever stage you’re at.

Yes — entering global markets without a strong strategy for your IP can expose your business to risk and missed opportunities. Each region has its own legal frameworks, and navigating them requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. A well-structured international intellectual property strategy ensures you retain freedom to operate while securing cost-effective exclusivity in the territories that matter most.

At Stratagem, we support businesses through every stage of international growth, from identifying key jurisdictions to managing overseas filings and clearance processes. Our international patent strategy and trade mark expertise help you expand with confidence, ensuring your IP works for your global ambitions — not against them.

The real value of having a strategy for your IP lies in its commercial impact. Success isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s about whether your intellectual property is actively helping to grow your business. You’ll know your strategy is working when it translates into competitive advantage, market share gains, and new revenue streams through licensing, collaboration, or partnerships. For many, it also boosts company valuation and investor appeal, making your business more attractive during funding rounds, acquisitions, or strategic alliances. At Stratagem, we focus on creating intellectual property strategies that are measurable and aligned with your commercial goals — ensuring that your patents, trade marks, and IP assets deliver tangible business value, not just legal protection.

For large corporations, a successful IP strategy must evolve in step with emerging technologies, new markets, and changing regulations. At Stratagem, we work closely with in-house teams to review your existing IP portfolio, assess alignment with your long-term goals, and identify opportunities to restructure, expand, or streamline. This ensures your intellectual property remains relevant, defensible, and commercially effective as your business scales.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on what you’re protecting, how far you want that protection to reach, and how quickly you need it. But many businesses are surprised at how accessible protection can be with the right strategy. What’s often more costly is leaving your IP exposed—and having to fix the problem later.

Any time you disclose details of your invention — whether to an investor, a research partner, or a commercial collaborator — you expose yourself to risk unless a confidentiality agreement (NDA) is in place. To stay protected, first consider what you actually need to share. In many cases, high-level concepts or general business goals can be discussed without revealing sensitive information. However, technical details, formulas, or unique design features should remain confidential until proper protections are in place.

The type of NDA you use matters too. Whether you’re pitching to investors, negotiating a licensing deal, or entering into a research partnership, each scenario calls for a tailored agreement. A one-size-fits-all template may not provide sufficient protection. It’s essential to ensure that the NDA clearly defines what information is considered confidential, how long confidentiality obligations will last, and what the receiving party is permitted to do with the information.

Stratagem’s IP legal services can guide you through this process, helping you prepare NDAs that are fit for purpose and ensure your innovation stays protected — even in early-stage conversations.

Not always. A patent gives you the exclusive right to stop others from making, using, or selling your invention — but it doesn’t guarantee freedom to use it yourself. Other patents may exist that cover elements of your product or process, potentially putting you at risk of infringement.

That’s why a freedom-to-operate (FTO) search is essential. It identifies whether existing patents could block your plans and helps you explore solutions like redesign, licensing, or legal challenge — ensuring you can move forward with confidence.

Finding a competitor’s patent doesn’t necessarily block your product or plans. First, we will check if it’s a granted patent or just a pending application — and whether it’s still active, expired, or abandoned. A patent attorney can assess whether the claims actually cover your innovation.

Even if there’s overlap, you may still have options. These include redesigning your technology, licensing the patent from the owner, or challenging its validity. At Stratagem, we go beyond legal review — helping you understand your risks, explore workarounds, and create a strategy that protects your innovation and keeps your business moving forward.

To qualify for patent protection, your invention needs to meet four essential legal criteria — and getting this right from the start is key to securing strong, enforceable rights. First, the invention must be genuinely new. If it’s already been disclosed publicly — through a product launch, academic paper, blog, or even a conference presentation — that could jeopardise your chances. That’s why maintaining strict confidentiality before filing is critical.

Second, your invention must involve an inventive step. In other words, it can’t simply be an obvious tweak to something that already exists. It needs to show a real, meaningful advancement that someone with experience in your industry wouldn’t easily have come up with.

Third, it must be capable of industrial application — meaning it must work in practice, not just in theory. Whether it’s a process, product, or technology, your invention should have a practical use in a commercial or industrial setting.

Finally, your patent application must clearly and completely describe how the invention works. The details should be sufficient for someone skilled in the field to reproduce it. If your application is vague or missing technical information, it may struggle to stand up to scrutiny or be easily bypassed by competitors.

If your invention meets these criteria, there’s a strong chance it’s patentable. Getting expert input from a patent attorney early on can make all the difference — helping you shape a clear, strategic application that highlights the novelty, protects the core value of your idea, and positions your IP as a true commercial asset.

The patent process typically takes between three and five years from the date of filing to grant, though the exact timeline depends on factors such as the complexity of your invention, the countries where protection is sought, and the pace of examination by individual patent offices.

It begins with the filing stage, where your application is drafted and submitted — a process that usually takes two to six weeks. This filing sets your “priority date,” which becomes the reference point for determining what constitutes prior art. Within 12 months, many applicants use the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) route to preserve the option of securing protection in more than 150 countries through a single international application.

Around 18 months after filing, your application is published — making the details of your invention publicly available. From here, if you used the PCT route at 30 months, you decide in which countries to pursue protection. The application then enters the examination phase. Patent examiners assess whether your invention meets all legal criteria, including novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. If any objections are raised, your representative can respond and, if needed, amend the claims to overcome them.

If all goes well, your patent is granted. While this usually takes three to five years from the initial filing, your rights are backdated to your priority date — giving you early protection while your application moves through the system.

Although the process can feel lengthy, you will be fully supported by experienced patent attorneys who understand your commercial objectives. If you’re planning to file, understanding these stages helps you prepare, avoid delays, and align your IP with your broader commercial goals. For more detail on each phase, visit our guide: The Patent Journey — A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Invention.

Every innovation is different — and so is the support you need to protect it. That’s why our approach to patent support is always tailored around your business, your goals, and your stage of growth. At Stratagem, you’ll have a dedicated lead attorney who acts as your primary point of contact, backed by a wider team with the technical knowledge to match your sector and the commercial experience to keep strategy at the forefront.

We work closely with you throughout the process, offering proactive, hands-on guidance from the first conversation to long-term management. Whether it’s regular check-ins, virtual catchups, or rapid response to key milestones, our communication is always clear, timely, and focused on helping you move forward with confidence.

Our role goes beyond simply filing a patent. We help embed IP into your wider business plans — making sure your protection aligns with your investment strategy, product roadmap, and market ambitions. Whether you’re filing for a single invention, need support through a funding round, or are looking to build a long-term portfolio, we adapt to fit your needs.

As your business evolves, so too does your IP strategy. With Stratagem, your patent continues to grow in commercial value and strategic relevance — supporting innovation today and opening doors for what comes next.

A patent doesn’t automatically give you worldwide protection — it only applies in the countries where you file and are granted rights. There’s currently no such thing as a single “global patent,” but there are smart ways to build international protection efficiently and cost-effectively.

If you’re looking to protect your innovation beyond your home market, one common approach is to file an international application through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This gives you up to 30 months from your initial filing to explore protection in over 150 countries — buying valuable time to assess markets, attract funding, or build your commercial strategy.

Once that period ends, you’ll enter the national phase, where you choose which countries to pursue protection in. At this point, you’ll need to meet local legal requirements, file translations, and cover fees — which makes it essential to focus on the territories that matter most to your business.

Because every country has its own laws, timelines, and technical requirements, international patenting can get complicated quickly. That’s why a well-planned international patent strategy is key. At Stratagem, our patent attorneys help you prioritise regions based on your commercial goals, manage deadlines and documentation, and ensure your applications are aligned with your long-term growth plans. It’s about protecting your innovation where it matters — while keeping your resources focused on what delivers value.

Filing a patent is a critical step in protecting your innovation, but common mistakes can undermine its effectiveness and reduce commercial value. One of the biggest pitfalls is getting the timing wrong. If you file too early, your invention might not be developed enough to meet the legal requirements. But if you wait too long, even a single public disclosure — like a presentation, blog post, or funding pitch — could destroy your chances of securing protection altogether.

Another issue is filing in isolation, without connecting the patent to your broader business strategy. A strong patent doesn’t just cover technical details — it should reinforce your commercial objectives, support investor conversations, and create barriers to entry in the markets that matter. If the protection isn’t aligned with your goals, it might look impressive on paper but deliver limited value in practice.

Inadequate disclosure is also a risk. Your application must clearly and completely describe the invention so that someone skilled in your field could reproduce it. Vague or incomplete information can lead to rejection or make it easier for competitors to work around your patent.

Some businesses also unintentionally disclose key details before filing — through marketing, investor discussions, or early product launches. In many jurisdictions, this can permanently compromise your ability to patent the idea. And finally, overlooking international markets is a costly oversight. Since a patent is territorial, protecting your innovation overseas requires a planned filing strategy that covers the right regions at the right time.

Avoiding these common mistakes ensures your patent does more than protect — it actively supports growth, competitiveness, and return on innovation. With the right advice, timing, and expert patent attorney services, your filing becomes a strategic asset.

Talking about your invention before filing a patent can be risky — and in some cases, it can mean losing the ability to protect your idea altogether. In many regions, including the UK, Europe, and China, any public disclosure before a patent application is filed can destroy the novelty of your invention. That includes product demos, conference presentations, research papers, sales pitches, or even informal conversations. Once the idea is out in the public domain, it’s usually no longer eligible for protection.

To safeguard your rights, it’s essential to keep your invention confidential until after filing. If you do need to share details — for example, with potential investors or collaborators — always use a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This ensures that discussions are legally protected and don’t count as public disclosure. While some countries, such as the United States and Canada, offer a limited grace period after public disclosure, relying on this can complicate your ability to seek protection elsewhere.

The safest and most effective approach is to develop a clear patent strategy before you talk to anyone outside your business. That way, you can engage stakeholders with confidence while ensuring your innovation remains protected and eligible for strong, enforceable rights worldwide — backed by professional patent attorney services at every stage.

If your patent is challenged by a third party, it can be a critical moment for your business — but with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to derail your plans. Challenges may arise soon after your patent is granted, such as through post-grant opposition at the European Patent Office, or later through court proceedings in the relevant jurisdiction. These actions typically aim to revoke or limit the scope of your patent.

The most common reasons for challenge include claims that your invention isn’t genuinely new (due to previously published work), that it lacks inventive step (meaning it’s too obvious), or that it isn’t described in enough detail for someone skilled in the field to reproduce it. Occasionally, challengers may argue that your invention isn’t industrially applicable — that it doesn’t have a real-world, practical use.

The key to defending your patent lies in the strength of your original application and your ability to respond strategically. High-quality drafting, thorough prior art review, and well-documented evidence of inventiveness make a significant difference. In some cases, it may be possible to amend the patent to address objections while preserving valuable protection.

Having a robust IP strategy from the outset puts you in a stronger position to defend your rights. At Stratagem, we help you anticipate potential challenges and ensure your patent is ready to stand up to scrutiny — protecting not just your innovation, but the commercial advantages that come with it.

Holding a granted patent gives you exclusive rights to stop others from using or commercialising your invention — but it doesn’t automatically guarantee that you’re free to operate without restrictions. That’s because your invention might still overlap with someone else’s existing patent, which could expose your business to legal risk.

Before launching a new product, process, or service, it’s vital to confirm that you’re not inadvertently infringing another party’s intellectual property. This is where a Freedom to Operate (FTO) search comes in. An FTO analysis helps uncover whether an existing patent could block your plans — giving you the chance to assess risks, avoid disputes, or adapt your strategy before committing significant time and investment.

Failing to carry out an FTO search could lead to costly delays, product redesigns, or even litigation. By taking this step early, you gain the clarity and confidence to move forward, knowing your route to market is legally secure. At Stratagem, we help businesses of all sizes navigate this process, ensuring your innovation can move from idea to launch without unexpected IP roadblocks.

Yes — even if you’re unaware of an existing patent, you can still face legal consequences for infringement. In patent law, ignorance is not a defence. If your product, service, or process falls within the scope of someone else’s patent claims, the patent owner may take enforcement action, which could include injunctions, damages, or legal proceedings.

That’s why it’s critical to assess your legal position before entering the market. A Freedom to Operate (FTO) search identifies if a patent exists that could pose a risk, helping you avoid accidental infringement. As your development progresses or your product evolves, additional checks may be needed to keep your position clear.

By being proactive, you reduce the chance of costly delays, redesigns, or disputes — and you move forward with confidence, knowing your innovation is on solid legal ground. At Stratagem, we help you stay ahead of these risks by building FTO into your development and launch strategy from day one.

If you come across a competitor’s patent, don’t ignore it — understanding its potential impact is crucial before continuing with product development or commercialisation. The first step is to assess the status of the patent. Is it granted and enforceable, still under examination, expired, or abandoned? Each scenario carries different implications for your freedom to operate.

The next step is evaluating whether your product or process might infringe any of the patent’s claims. This isn’t always obvious — and assumptions can be risky. A professional review of the claims, scope, and legal standing helps you understand where the risks lie. If necessary, we can conduct a detailed Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis to determine your safest and most strategic way forward.

Taking action early protects you from costly legal disputes, delays, or forced design changes. At Stratagem, we help you weigh up your options and respond proactively — whether that means redesigning the product, negotiating a licence, or challenging the patent. With the right advice, you can make informed, commercially sound decisions without slowing your momentum.

Ideally, you should speak to a patent attorney before publicly disclosing your invention. Patent protection depends on novelty — so if your idea is shared too early, even in a pitch or on a website, you could lose the chance to secure it.

At Stratagem, we help you navigate this critical early stage. Whether you’re developing your first innovation or managing a complex IP portfolio, we tailor our advice to fit your commercial timeline, funding milestones, and international ambitions. We’ll assess whether a patent is the right route — and if not, we’ll explore trade secrets, staged filings, or alternative IP strategies to give you the strongest competitive position.

Explore how our patent attorneys can help secure and commercialise your invention.

Patents do more than protect your ideas — they unlock commercial opportunities. A strong, well-structured patent portfolio can boost your business valuation, attract investment, and strengthen your position in licensing, partnerships, and market expansion.

At Stratagem, we develop patent strategies that are aligned with your business roadmap. Whether you’re scaling, entering new markets, or preparing for a funding round, we ensure your IP isn’t just a legal asset — it’s a growth engine.

Discover how our IP strategy services turn innovation into long-term business success.

At Stratagem, our patent attorneys combine legal and scientific expertise to fully understand your innovation. Every attorney on our team has a strong background in science or engineering — with many holding PhDs in disciplines such as chemistry, biotechnology, or mechanical engineering.

This technical foundation allows us to quickly grasp complex inventions and translate them into commercially strong IP strategies. We match you with attorneys who have direct experience in your field — whether that’s pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, or engineering — and for interdisciplinary technologies, we assemble a cross-sector team to provide strategic, focused support.

With Stratagem, you don’t have to explain your invention from scratch — we speak your language, and we know how to protect what makes your technology unique.

Learn more about our approach to patent protection.

Patents play a crucial role in protecting innovation within the consumer goods sector. By securing a patent, you gain the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, or selling your invention — whether it’s a new formulation, manufacturing process, or product design. But their value goes beyond legal protection.

A strong patent portfolio signals credibility to investors, deters copycat competitors, and opens the door to licensing and partnership opportunities. At Stratagem, we don’t just file patents — we develop strategic, commercially aligned patent plans that support your product roadmap, protect your market position, and ensure your innovations deliver long-term value.

No — the best trade marks are distinctive, not descriptive. While it might seem logical to choose a name that describes your product or service, overly descriptive trade marks are difficult to register and offer little legal protection. If your mark simply describes what you do, it may be considered too generic to qualify for exclusive rights — leaving you exposed to competitors using similar terms.

Stronger trade marks are unique and memorable— hinting at your product or brand story without stating it outright. These marks are easier to register, easier to enforce, and far more effective at building long-term brand recognition and commercial value.

Yes, you can file a trade mark application yourself through the UK IPO — but registering a trade mark that is truly strong, distinctive, and enforceable takes more than filling out a form. Many DIY applications fail due to incorrect classifications, existing conflicts, or a lack of legal distinctiveness.

That’s why expert advice is invaluable. At Stratagem, we go beyond just filing. We help you shape a trade mark that aligns with your business strategy, avoids costly mistakes, and is built to last. From clearance searches to strategic filing and enforcement, our team ensures your trade mark delivers real commercial value.

Securing your trade mark is just the start. With proactive monitoring, defence, and portfolio management, we help ensure your brand remains protected — and profitable — as your business grows.

No. Registering a company name only prevents others from registering the exact same name on the Company Register but does not provide brand protection. A competitor can still use a similar or identical name for any goods and services, leading to confusion in the marketplace. A trade mark registration gives you exclusive rights to use the name within your industry and allows you to take legal action against infringement. Securing a trade mark ensures that your brand identity remains protected and enforceable.

In most cases, protection lasts for the lifetime of the identified creator plus 70 years. This term is calculated from the end of the year in which the creator dies, meaning their work remains safeguarded well into the future – even long after their passing.

For works created by a company or where the creator isn’t named (such as anonymous or collective works), the duration may differ – typically lasting 70 years from the date of publication. Because timeframes can vary, it’s important to assess each situation carefully to ensure the right protections remain in place.

Ownership typically belongs to the person who creates the content. However, when that individual is an employee, rights usually transfer to the employer – provided the work was produced within the scope of their job. For instance, if an employee writes a LinkedIn article in their professional capacity, the company is likely the legal owner. In contrast, a novel written outside of work, in personal time, would belong to the individual.

For freelancers, contractors, or agencies, default ownership stays with the creator unless there’s a written agreement that assigns the rights. Paying for the work alone doesn’t transfer ownership – a formal, signed contract is essential to secure full legal control.

To avoid disputes and ensure your business retains the right protections, it’s best to get expert legal advice, especially when outsourcing creative projects or using external contributors.

If you want to use creative content but can’t identify the rights holder, the law requires you to carry out reasonable due diligence to find them. Just because an image or article appears online without a © symbol doesn’t mean it’s free to use – legal protection still applies automatically.

Before using the work, you must make genuine efforts to trace the creator and request permission or a licence. If the owner can’t be found, you may proceed cautiously – but if they come forward later, you could be liable to pay backdated fees going back up to six years. Keeping a detailed record of your research efforts is essential to show that you acted responsibly and within legal boundaries.

Generally, individual words or very short phrases don’t qualify for protection under copyright, as the law typically requires a certain level of originality and creative expression. Protection applies to more substantial works like books, songs, visual art, or software. However, if a word or phrase is uniquely tied to a brand, trade mark registration may offer a more appropriate route for safeguarding commercial identity.

That said, there’s no definitive rule on how short a protected excerpt can be. If a brief quote provides clear commercial gain or is copied in a way that misrepresents ownership, it may still pose legal risk. When in doubt – especially when quoting someone else – seek permission and credit the source to avoid potential disputes.

Copyright infringement occurs when a protected creative work is used, copied, or distributed without permission from the rightful owner. This includes unauthorised reproduction, modification, or public sharing of materials such as images, videos, music, or written content. Simply finding content online does not make it free to use – protection applies automatically, even without a visible © symbol.

Common scenarios include using unlicensed images on a website, copying written material without consent, or republishing modified content without the creator’s approval. These actions can lead to legal claims, takedown requests, financial penalties, or reputational damage.

To stay protected, businesses and individuals should always verify usage rights, secure the appropriate permissions or licences, and document content ownership. If you receive a claim, don’t ignore it – expert legal advice can help you assess the situation and avoid unnecessary costs or escalation.

Ownership of content created with artificial intelligence (AI) is a developing area of law, but under current UK rules, copyright in AI generated content belongs to the individual who provided the input or prompts to the AI system – not the AI itself.

When content is created as part of an employee’s duties, those rights typically transfer to the employer. However, if the work is produced outside of employment, the individual retains ownership. While the legal landscape may evolve, these principles currently guide how AI-assisted works are treated in terms of legal control and usage rights.

When a design agency creates a logo, ownership of the creative rights usually stays with the agency – unless a formal agreement transfers those rights to the client. Simply paying for the work doesn’t guarantee full control; it often provides only a limited licence to use the design as agreed.

To secure complete ownership, a signed copyright assignment agreement is essential. For businesses working with freelancers, contractors, or agencies, putting the right contracts in place helps prevent disputes over intellectual property. Even in employer-employee relationships, including clear clauses around copyright ownership ensures that brand assets belong to the business, not the individual who created them.

Intellectual property (IP) includes several types of protection, each designed for specific assets. Creative rights – often referred to as authorship rights – apply automatically to original works such as books, music, digital content, and visual media. These rights allow the creator to control how the work is used, shared, or reproduced.

Trade marks safeguard brand elements like names, logos, and slogans that identify your business in the marketplace. Registering a trade mark gives you exclusive rights and helps prevent others from using similar branding.

Design rights protect the visual appearance of a product – including shape, patterns, configuration, and even colour combinations. These can be protected through registration or automatically as unregistered rights, depending on the circumstances and market strategy.

Patents cover inventions and innovative technologies, giving inventors exclusive commercial rights for up to 20 years. Unlike other IP types, patents must be applied for before making the innovation public, as novelty is a key requirement.

Choosing the right type of protection depends on the nature of your innovation or asset. Expert advice ensures your intellectual property is protected and aligned with your commercial goals.

In short – yes, though terminology can sometimes be confusing. In the UK, the term “lawyer” covers anyone qualified and regulated to provide legal services, including solicitors and patent or trade mark attorneys. Each has a different qualification route, but they all sit alongside each other under the Legal Services Act.

There’s no specific qualification for a “copyright solicitor” or “copyright attorney” — these terms simply describe legal professionals who specialise in creative and intellectual property rights as part of their broader practice.

At Stratagem, we use the title “attorney” to reflect our cross-disciplinary expertise in creative rights, patents, and trade marks. More importantly, it signals that you’re working with a professional who understands the legal, commercial, and strategic dimensions of protecting your business assets.

Whether you refer to us as attorneys, solicitors, or lawyers, what matters is that you receive expert guidance tailored to your goals – delivered with clarity, experience, and commercial insight.

Filing a design registration in the UK starts with submitting high-quality visual representations of the design. These can be line drawings, photographs, or digital renderings, and must clearly show the design from multiple angles – typically including top, bottom, front, back, left, right, and an isometric view.

Black line drawings usually offer broader protection, but coloured images or 3D models may better suit certain products depending on their complexity.

The application also requires the applicant’s contact information and a short description of the design. It’s important to note that Registered Design Rights only protect the appearance of a product – not its function. So the description should focus on visual elements like shape, surface finish, ornamentation, and colour, rather than technical features.

In the UK, applications for Registered Design Rights are submitted to the Intellectual Property Office (IPO). The process is relatively fast and does not involve an examination for novelty or individual character at the time of filing. However, these elements could be scrutinised later if the design is challenged. Once granted, Registered Design Rights can last up to 25 years, with renewals due every five years.

Carefully preparing your application can help avoid delays and increase your protection. If you are unsure how to present your design or need help navigating the filing process, speaking to an IP expert can ensure your Registered Design Rights are secured quickly and correctly.

Yes, a design can be protected internationally. Many UK businesses start by registering their design with the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) and then extend protection to other countries within six months. This six-month period, known as the priority window, allows applicants to retain the original UK filing date when applying for registered design rights abroad.

There are two main options for securing international registered design rights. The first is filing separate applications in each target country, meeting the specific requirements of each jurisdiction. The second is through the Hague System for the International Registration of Industrial Designs, which enables protection in multiple member countries via a single application.

Expanding your registered design rights internationally helps prevent unauthorised use in global markets and enhances the value of your intellectual property. Since requirements vary between jurisdictions, expert legal advice ensures your international design strategy is both efficient and effective.

In the UK, registered design rights can last for up to 25 years, provided the design is renewed every five years. The initial registration grants exclusive rights for five years, with the option to renew in five-year increments up to the full 25-year term. If renewal fees are missed, the registered design rights will lapse, allowing others to use the design without permission.

Maintaining active protection ensures long-term exclusivity and guards against unauthorised copying or use. For businesses managing multiple registered designs, tracking renewal deadlines is crucial to safeguarding commercial advantage.

A strategic approach to renewals can help prioritise valuable assets and preserve key registered design rights. If needed, expert legal support can streamline the renewal process and help avoid unintended loss of protection.

If someone copies a registered design without permission, the owner of the registered design rights has the legal authority to take action against the unauthorised use in the jurisdiction where protection has been granted. This may include issuing a cease-and-desist letter, seeking financial compensation for damages, or pursuing court proceedings to enforce those rights.

Legal enforcement of registered design rights involves proving that the allegedly infringing design does not create a different overall impression from the original. Because registered designs focus on visual appearance rather than functionality, even minor alterations may not be enough to avoid infringement.

Taking swift action helps prevent revenue loss, brand dilution, and reputational harm. Regularly monitoring the market and engaging legal experts ensures that registered design rights are properly enforced and your intellectual property remains protected.

A single product can benefit from multiple layers of intellectual property protection, with each type covering a different aspect of its commercial value. A patent protects how the product works, registered design rights safeguard how it looks, and trade marks protect its name, logo, or distinctive branding.

This combined approach ensures stronger, more comprehensive protection. For example, registered design rights help prevent competitors from copying a product’s unique visual appearance, while patents stop others from replicating the technical innovation. Trade marks then reinforce brand identity and recognition in the market.

Using a mix of intellectual property rights strengthens your market position, increases commercial value, and creates opportunities for licensing, partnerships, and investment. Incorporating registered design rights into your IP strategy ensures your product is protected from every angle and helps build long-term competitive advantage.

The key difference lies in their training and legal focus. A solicitor is a qualified lawyer who has completed general legal training and often specialises later in areas like intellectual property (IP), contracts, or dispute resolution. Solicitors typically handle broader legal issues, including drafting commercial agreements, advising on legal risks, and supporting litigation.

An attorney — in the IP context — is either a patent attorney or trade mark attorney. They qualify through a different route, with specialist training focused entirely on securing and protecting intellectual property rights. At Stratagem, all our attorneys are UK Chartered Patent or Trade Mark Attorneys and our Patent Attorney are European qualified as well. They are therefore able to directly advise, file and enforce IP rights in the UK and Europe, and where they are not directly qualified, they work with a team of overseas attorneys who are selected for their experience, value for money and established trusted relationship.

Both solicitors and attorneys are classed as lawyers but are regulated by different bodies. Solicitors are overseen by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), while patent and trade mark attorneys are regulated by IPReg. Both are governed by the Legal Services Act and meet strict standards of professionalism and ethics.
Not sure whether you need a solicitor or an IP attorney? Just ask — our IP solicitors will help point you in the right direction.

While a general commercial lawyer may be skilled in contracts and negotiations, intellectual property agreements demand specialist expertise. IP has its own legal frameworks, technical language, and commercial implications — and without a deep understanding of these, it’s easy to miss critical details that could undermine your protection.

At Stratagem, our IP legal services are led by a team that includes an in-house solicitor working closely with experienced patent attorneys and trade mark attorneys. This integrated approach means your agreements are not only legally robust but also tailored to the specific demands of intellectual property. From licensing and collaboration agreements to service contracts and dispute resolution, we ensure your contracts support long-term business value.

Because we specialise in IP, there’s no need to spend time explaining the technical background of your innovation — we already speak your language. That saves you time, reduces risk, and ensures your agreements are built on a foundation of deep IP insight and commercial strategy.

Stratagem provides specialist IP legal services across a wide range of intellectual property contracts. We regularly advise on licensing agreements, collaboration and service agreements, NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements), CDAs (Confidential Disclosure Agreements), and trade mark co-existence agreements. Whether you’re protecting a new invention, formalising a commercial partnership, or growing your IP portfolio, we ensure your agreements are strategically aligned, clearly worded, and legally enforceable.

If your contract involves patents, trade marks, copyrights, or confidential information, we offer the expertise needed to secure your rights and maximise their commercial value. Every agreement is designed to protect your business, reduce risk, and support your long-term IP strategy.

Uncovering an issue during IP due diligence doesn’t always spell disaster — but it does demand careful handling. The impact depends on the nature and severity of the finding. In more serious cases, such as a lapse in protection, an ownership dispute, or the risk of infringement, the deal may be delayed or even abandoned while parties reassess their position.

More often, due diligence reveals gaps or concerns that can be addressed through contract terms. For example, limited territorial coverage or pending oppositions might lead to price adjustments, indemnity clauses, or specific obligations post-deal to manage the risk. These insights don’t just protect you — they give you leverage in negotiations and help ensure you’re paying the right price for the right protection.

Importantly, not all findings are negative. Due diligence can also reveal hidden value — such as unregistered rights, trade secrets, or opportunities to strengthen protection — which can enhance the deal or improve your future position.

At Stratagem, we help you interpret and act on due diligence findings strategically. Whether issues need mitigating, pricing needs adjusting, or additional opportunities arise, we guide you toward a commercially sound agreement that reflects the true value — and risk — of the IP involved.

When navigating IP due diligence, protecting your commercially sensitive information is just as important as disclosing it. The key is to maintain control over what’s shared, who sees it, and under what conditions. This starts with clear legal safeguards — typically in the form of a Confidentiality Agreement (CDA) or Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) — which ensure that any disclosed information is treated as confidential and only accessed by authorised individuals.

To further reduce risk, access should be limited to named recipients with a genuine need to know. In some cases, businesses appoint an independent third party, such as an external IP advisor, to act as a neutral intermediary. This helps manage the flow of information while keeping sensitive material out of the wider transaction team’s view.

For full oversight, many organisations use a secure online data room. These platforms provide controlled access, allow activity tracking, and let you set time-limited permissions — giving you peace of mind that your information is seen only by the right people, at the right time. At Stratagem, we can host datarooms using secure and effective systems, or if you just wish to populate the IP Section of your own dataroom, we are familiar with what is required and can provide this to you quickly.

At Stratagem, we help clients set up and manage IP due diligence processes that are both transparent and secure — so you can move forward with confidence while keeping your competitive advantage protected.

To make IP due diligence truly commercially focused, it must go beyond checking ownership and registration details. At Stratagem, we help in-house teams assess the strategic value of IP assets — examining their relevance to your business model, market positioning, and risk exposure. We evaluate factors such as competitive overlap, enforceability, licensing potential, and litigation history. This deeper analysis ensures your decisions are driven by commercial outcomes, not just legal checklists.

Because your IP protection should support your business journey — not sit alongside it. Understanding your goals helps us shape a patent or trade mark strategy that adds real commercial value.

If you’re planning to license your technology, we ensure your patents create strong negotiation leverage. If you’re launching a consumer product, we’ll prioritise trade mark and design protection to build brand recognition and deter imitation. If your goal is investment or acquisition, a robust IP portfolio can boost your valuation and make your business more attractive to investors.

We also factor in timing — from when to file patents, to how to manage confidentiality, ownership, and partnership agreements. Knowing your long-term strategy helps us protect what matters most — at the right time, in the right way.

Yes — if you’re sharing confidential details before filing a patent, a Confidential Disclosure Agreement (CDA) is essential. Without it, you risk losing the ability to patent your invention due to public disclosure.

That said, consider whether sharing confidential information is truly necessary at this stage. In many cases, you can begin with a non-confidential overview. Then, once interest is confirmed, share detailed information under a signed CDA to protect your intellectual property.

This two-step approach helps balance risk with opportunity — keeping your innovation safe while moving conversations forward.

As your SME scales, contracts are critical for protecting your business relationships and IP ownership. You’ll need well-drafted employment agreements, consultancy contracts, NDAs, and potentially licensing or collaboration agreements.

While templates can be a helpful starting point, contracts rarely stay in template form—especially during negotiations. Our legal team provides tailored, commercially aware guidance so you understand what terms are negotiable and how to protect your position. Whether you’re onboarding employees, working with agencies, or preparing for investor scrutiny, we ensure your contracts are robust, enforceable, and aligned with your business goals.

For growing SMEs, managing cash flow while investing in IP can be challenging. That’s why we work with you to build a quarterly IP budget tailored to your current stage and growth plans. We forecast when and where you’ll incur costs—across patents, trade marks, renewals, oppositions, or legal agreements—so you’re never caught off guard.

Whether you’re preparing for a funding round or need budget clarity for board reporting, our cost estimates are transparent, realistic, and designed to support better financial decision-making around your intellectual property.

Licensing gives a third party permission to use your creative work under agreed terms — for example, in a specific region or format. Sub-licensing goes a step further, allowing that third party to pass on similar usage rights to others. Without a clear agreement in place, this can lead to a loss of control over where, how, and by whom your designs are used. At Stratagem, we help design agencies create licensing and sub-licensing agreements that are watertight, commercially aligned, and built to protect the value and integrity of your creative assets.

In the UK, copyright automatically protects original designs and artwork, but relying on copyright alone can leave your work exposed — especially online. Registering key brand elements as designs or trade marks gives you stronger legal rights and makes it easier to take action if your work is copied, misused, or repurposed without permission. At Stratagem, we help design agencies build tailored protection strategies — from formal registrations to cross-border enforcement — so your creative work stays safe, wherever it’s published or shared.

Stratagem helps creative agencies turn intellectual property into a strategic advantage. We offer more than legal protection — we provide peace of mind. Our services include trade mark, design, and copyright protection, as well as robust licensing and sub-licensing agreements that keep you in control. We clarify IP ownership, draft watertight clauses for client, freelancer, and employment contracts, and resolve disputes with a focus on preserving relationships. We also provide training to help your team navigate IP issues with clarity and confidence. With Stratagem as your partner, you can focus on creativity, knowing your work is protected now — and as your agency grows.

Patent attorneys often begin their careers in science or engineering, gaining deep technical expertise before moving into intellectual property law. This background enables them to understand complex innovations and provide practical, commercially focused legal advice.

At Stratagem, many of our senior attorneys have worked in-house as well as in private practice — giving them a unique perspective on how IP decisions affect day-to-day business operations.

This combination of legal knowledge, technical skill, and commercial insight means our attorneys deliver more than just legal protection — they help turn your intellectual property into a strategic business asset.

To become a trade mark attorney in the UK, the first step is completing a university degree — whilst a law degree will be advantage, most subjects such as humanities, languages or business are also valued. This is followed by at least two years on-the-job training at a trade mark firm or within an in-house legal team, alongside two stages of professional exams focused on UK trade mark law and practice.

While the exams are UK-centric, modern trade mark attorneys must also be familiar with international IP systems, particularly in key jurisdictions like the EU, US, China, Australia, and Canada.

Find out more about the qualification process on the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) website.

A career as a trade mark attorney combines legal knowledge with commercial insight and a strong understanding of branding. Most attorneys begin by studying for a degree — often in law, but not exclusively — followed by structured training within a specialist IP firm or in-house legal team. Over time, they build experience in areas like brand clearance, portfolio management, enforcement, and global strategy.

At Stratagem, our trade mark attorneys are encouraged to develop specialist expertise in sectors that match their interests, whether that’s pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, or tech, and then to share this knowledge with the team. Ongoing training and staying ahead of evolving case law is essential — but just as important is the ability to turn legal complexity into practical, business-focused advice. That’s what makes a great trade mark attorney.