WEBVTT - Protect your intellectual property abroad 00:00:03.760 --> 00:00:08.240 Intellectual property, or IP, is often a company’s most valuable asset. 00:00:08.960 --> 00:00:11.680 Understanding how to protect it internationally 00:00:11.680 --> 00:00:14.480 is a fundamental part of your exporting strategy. 00:00:15.200 --> 00:00:18.160 There are different things you can do to help protect your IP 00:00:18.160 --> 00:00:22.240 including patenting a product, registering a trademark to protect your 00:00:22.240 --> 00:00:26.480 brand, registering your design, and protecting your work with copyright. 00:00:28.080 --> 00:00:30.810 Firstly, start by understanding what IP exists 00:00:30.810 --> 00:00:33.600 within your business and what this represents. 00:00:36.320 --> 00:00:39.760 Secondly, make sure you’re not infringing anyone else’s IP 00:00:39.760 --> 00:00:40.960 in the new market. 00:00:40.960 --> 00:00:44.240 Carry out a trademark search online to see if something similar to your 00:00:44.240 --> 00:00:45.520 brand already exists. 00:00:46.560 --> 00:00:49.920 Then investigate whether you can register the IP in your chosen market. 00:00:50.720 --> 00:00:54.480 Your patent, trademark or design may not qualify in all markets. 00:00:55.200 --> 00:00:57.840 Decide whether you need a professional trade attorney. 00:00:58.400 --> 00:01:02.320 Your chances of obtaining a patent will be significantly greater if you 00:01:02.320 --> 00:01:04.240 use someone with specialist knowledge. 00:01:04.240 --> 00:01:07.760 Weigh up the value of obtaining a patent, against the costs involved, 00:01:07.760 --> 00:01:09.200 as part of your export plan. 00:01:09.920 --> 00:01:11.680 Finally, register your trademarks 00:01:11.680 --> 00:01:14.080 and designs online through official websites. 00:01:14.720 --> 00:01:17.040 Copyright is free of charge in the UK and 00:01:17.040 --> 00:01:19.680 is automatically protected in most countries. 00:01:19.680 --> 00:01:25.840 But registering in-market could provide better protection.