How to review your IP
Reviewing your intellectual property (IP) requires a systematic approach supported by necessary time and resources.
You need to ask questions about IP assets that provide your business with a competitive advantage and need to be protected.
You can use the online intellectual property explorer tool to help your business realise and profit from the intellectual property assets and identify risks to the business.
Seek professional advice
For specific assistance and advice you can contact an IP professional if you are not sure about any of these issues:
- Who has written and designed your marketing and promotional material, including printed brochures and leaflets?
- Were these done in-house or did you obtain the services of a graphic designer or professional writer? If you used external contractors, did their contracts specify who owned the IP that was created?
- Does your firm have policies and procedures in place specifically to manage and protect your IP?
- Do you have a staff education program that covers the protection and management of your IP?
IP and your employees
Education is important if your firm's core business involves the creation or use of IP.
IP education ensures your employees are able to assist you to appropriately protect, manage and commercialise your IP. Smart companies educate their staff on what is of value in the business and provide clear guidance on how to use and manage their IP assets. It is worth educating staff on IP issues so they can take steps to avoid infringing or inappropriately using the IP of others.
Last Updated: 12/12/2012
