Intellectual Property

Our Intellectual Property Services

RDA not only helps your business achieve valuable tax relief for the R&D you develop, but we also help you protect it. Read on to find out more about Intellectual Property (IP) in general and our dedicated, specialist IP-protection services.

Whenever you conduct R&D, you are creating IP.

Question Icon What is IP?

IP refers to the legal rights that protect creations of the mind, such as inventions, designs, brand names and artistic works. These rights allow individuals and businesses to control and benefit from their innovations, ensuring they are protected from unauthorised use by others.

Types of IP

Patents– These protect inventions and technical innovations, giving the patent owner exclusive rights to manufacture, use, and sell the invention for a set period (typically 20 years in the UK).
Trademarks– A form of protection for brand names, logos, slogans, and other identifiers, trademarks distinguish a business’s goods or services.
Copyright– For original literary, artistic, musical, and software works, a copyright will prevent unauthorised reproduction or distribution.
Design Rights– To protect the visual appearance, shape, or configuration of a product, a company can claim its design rights.
Trade Secrets & Confidential Information– Where there is business‑sensitive information, such as formulas, algorithms, and manufacturing processes, trade secrets and confidential information apply.

Why is IP Important?

It encourages Innovation– Protecting IP rights incentivises businesses and individuals to invest in research and development.
It brings Competitive Advantage– By ensuring exclusivity in the market, competitors can be prevented from copying valuable assets.
Revenue Generation– IP can be licensed, sold, or used as an asset to attract investment.
Business Value– The value of your IP can be added to the company’s balance sheet.
Brand Protection– Brand reputation can be defended, while also preventing counterfeit products from damaging business credibility.

How to protect your IP

Understanding and managing your IP is crucial for business growth and security.

Depending on the type of IP, protection can be achieved through:

Filing patents, trademarks, or design registrations.
Applying copyright automatically for creative works.
Keeping trade secrets confidential through agreements and policies.

If you need help identifying, protecting and leveraging your IP for strategic and commercial gain, contact our experts today to ensure your valuable assets are secure.

Our IP Services

Find out more about RDA's latest Intellectual Property services

Invention Harvesting
Patent Landscaping
Freedom to Operate

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Patent Box

Help your business maximise the financial benefits of your IP, with Patent Box. A tax-incentive scheme introduced by the UK Government and overseen by HMRC.

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