Intellectual Property Solicitors

“Intellectual property rights” is a phrase used to cover a variety of legal rights which can either arise automatically or be registered in respect of creative works, whether that’s a brand identity, trade mark, know-how or confidential information or artistic/dramatic works. 

These intellectual property assets must be protected from potential competitors, so you control how you exploit them. To do this, you will need the advice of specialist intellectual property lawyers to ensure legal recognition and enforcement of the ownership of your IP rights. 

Our Intellectual Property Lawyers can advise on all aspects of intellectual property law, such as registering, protecting, and exploiting your IP, putting you in control of how your intellectual property is used. 

We welcome the opportunity to review your IP portfolio and discuss your requirements in detail. Our IP lawyers will work with you to compile an intellectual property strategy to protect your IP.

• Our intellectual property experts advise clients on a broad range of intellectual property matters, from initial registration and exploitation to protection and enforcement.
• Our specialist IP litigation team is also highly experienced in handling business disputes involving intellectual property.
• Myerson is a member of the Intellectual Property Lawyers Association (IPLA), an association of law firms with an established intellectual property office. Our membership provides our clients and us with access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise in intellectual property.
• Through our many years of service, we have close working relationships with trade mark and patent attorneys and regularly liaise with them on a wide range of intellectual property issues, such as registering trademarks, patents and design rights, and when disputes arise concerning intellectual property rights. These working relationships are a key element of the service we offer to our clients.
• Myerson is also the Manchester and Cheshire law firm member for the MSI Global Alliance, a top 20 ranked international association of independent professional firms. As the IP matters we deal with often involve an international element, we can call upon the expertise and knowledge of our fellow MSI members to ensure that our client's global interests are protected.

We work with Innovate UK and have assisted clients in obtaining Tier 1 and Tier 2 funding from the IPO.

For UK companies (who meet the criteria set out below), the government, via the Intellectual Property Office, is offering grants for the cost of an IP Audit.

Eligibility for IP Audit Funding

To be eligible, your business must meet the UK government’s definition of a micro-entity or small or medium enterprise, including having fewer than 250 employees, an annual turnover of less than £36 million and a maximum balance sheet total of £18 million.

Once funding is approved, you must appoint a firm of IP professionals (such as Myerson) to conduct the IP Audit report. 

Tier 1 IP Audit

If you are eligible, the cost of the IP Audit is fixed at £3,000, and the IPO will pay up to £2,250, meaning your business would only need to contribute the remaining £750.

Tier 2 IP Access

This usually follows the IP Audit, with the IPO making a further contribution for an IP Professional to progress and implement recommendations set out in the IP Audit Reports or to provide further professional advice relating to commercialising the business's IP assets (this can include drafting licensing terms and agreements or applications for registrations).

IP Access matches the business's contribution up to £2250 (incl VAT).

How to apply for IP Audit funding

You can apply for funding for your business by contacting the IPO’s regional partners via one of the links below:

• England – Innovate UK Business Growth
• Northern Ireland – Invest Northern Ireland
• Scotland – Scottish Enterprise, South of Scotland Enterprise, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Wales – Welsh Government

All applications for IP Audit funding are subject to assessment, and funding is not guaranteed.