Engineers with an understanding of intellectual property rights can future-proof a business. They can create – and extract – tangible value from their work. But not all engineers are aware of the benefits of IP and IP rights should be applied.
With emerging technologies becoming the key to Britain’s future as an engineering nation, protecting valuable intellectual property is more important than ever.
International law firm Bird & Bird has over 100 years of IP expertise, and has worked with many of the world’s leading innovators. In collaboration with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Bird & Bird has devised the Intellectual Property Guide for Engineers, to help engineers in large companies, SMEs and as individuals, protect and exploit their work.
The guide introduces the IP rights available in the UK, and explains how they can be used to protect a range of work produced. It outlines some of the considerations surrounding the exploitation of IP rights in the UK; explains technical terms; and puts into plain language the broad structure, scope and infringements associated with IP law.
There is a reference table to help you quick-check IP rights; and an in-depth case study illustrates how these rights may be identified and exploited in practice.
The guide can be read here.