Go to content
${facet.Name} (${facet.TotalResults})
${item.Icon}
${ item.ShortDescription }
${ item.SearchLabel?.ViewModel?.Label }
See all results
${facet.Name} (${facet.TotalResults})
${item.Icon}
${ item.ShortDescription }
${ item.SearchLabel?.ViewModel?.Label }
See all results

The Intellectual Property Hub

Harneys IP Hub Hero Image

Welcome

The Intellectual Property (IP) Hub is a comprehensive resource that fosters understanding and effective intellectual property rights management. Intellectual property represents the ownership of creations of the human mind, including inventions, designs, trademarks, and artistic works. Unlike physical assets, IP rights provide unique legal protections enabling creators and enterprises to exploit their innovations and safeguard against unauthorised use.

Intellectual property rights are critical for businesses and individuals, enshrined in national, European, and international legal frameworks. These protections secure exclusivity and contribute significantly to financial growth and strategic development. Licensing, selling rights, or leveraging IP as collateral can maximise its potential value.

Equally vital is the ongoing management of intellectual property rights. Proper administration ensures their continued protection and alignment with legal requirements. Whether renewing a patent, updating a trademark’s details, or managing a copyright’s use, diligent oversight preserves the integrity and value of these assets.

This hub will give you the tools, guidance, and information necessary to effectively understand and manage your intellectual property, empowering you to protect and capitalise on your innovative endeavours.

Why protect Intellectual Property?

Securing IPR ensures creators and businesses maintain control over their assets, enhance market competitiveness, and gain legal recourse against infringement.

Choosing the right type of Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) safeguard creations of the mind, distinguishing and protecting innovation, creativity, and commerce. Below is a concise guide to the primary IP categories, features, and benefits.

Patents

A patent provides exclusive rights over an invention for a set period (up to 20 years, with extensions in specific cases).

  • Protection period: 20 years (it can extend up to 25 years for pharmaceuticals/plant-protection products and 25 years 6 months for pediatric pharmaceuticals).
  • What it covers: Innovative inventions, new methods, or product operations.
  • Benefits: Secures exclusive rights, enabling full exploitation of your invention.
Trademarks

A trademark distinguishes products or services of one enterprise from others through recognisable elements such as words, symbols, logos, or sounds. It is a vital tool for brand identity.

  • Protection period: Indefinite, with renewal every 10 years.
  • What it covers: Distinctive logos, names, or symbols identifying your products/services.
  • Benefits: Protects against infringements and enhances commercial value.
Industrial designs

Industrial design protection covers the appearance of a product, including its shape, texture, patterns, or colours, ensuring market exclusivity for innovative designs.

  • Protection period: 25 years, with renewal every 5 years.
  • What it covers: Exterior designs and product appearances.
  • Benefits: Grants exclusive rights to the design, preventing misuse.
Copyrights

Copyright is automatic protection granted to creators of original works, including literary, artistic, and audiovisual works.

  • Protection period: Varies; up to 70 years after the creator’s death.
  • What it covers: Creative works like books, music, software, paintings, and more.
  • Benefits: Automatic legal protection against unauthorized use.

Choosing the right protection

Each IP type caters to specific needs, whether you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, designer, or artist. By registering or securing the proper protection, you gain the legal rights necessary to defend your work and capitalise on its potential. Find out more about IP offerings from a jurisdiction below.

Harney Westwood & Riegels International, Harney Westwood & Riegels (BVI) LP, Harney Westwood & Riegels (Cayman) LLP, Harney Westwood & Riegels (UK) LLP, Harney Westwood & Riegels (Hong Kong), Harney Westwood & Riegels Singapore LLP, Aristodemou Loizides Yiolitis LLC (practising as Harneys), Harney Westwood & Riegels SARL, Harneys Bermuda Limited, and each of their subsidiaries (collectively known as Harneys) is committed to the privacy of information in line with data protection principles, regulatory and legal requirements, and global best practices. By completing this form and clicking submit, you consent to receive communications from Harneys and recording your personal data through our Privacy Statement. For more information on how your personal data is collected and managed by Harneys, please see our Privacy Statement. Jersey legal services are provided through Harneys (Jersey) which is an independently owned and controlled Jersey law firm.