Enforcing your IP
You are responsible for enforcing your intellectual property (IP) rights. You may though be able to resolve your dispute without taking any legal action. As an IP right owner you should also try to show your IP is protected. You should seek advice from a legal professional (such as a Patent or Trade Mark attorney) before entering into any disputes.
Depending on the type of dispute, you may file patent proceedings in the IPO or with the Courts. You may also ask the IPO to take action in relation to some trade mark issues and design issues (professional section).
If you have not registered your IP rights, you may be able to take action under common law of passing off.
You can take legal action through the civil courts by for instance applying for an injunction and/or claiming damages if your IP right is infringed, that is it is used without your permission. You can safeguard against legal costs by taking out an insurance policy.
Infringing others rights
If you use someone else's intellectual property (IP) without their permission you may be infringing their IP rights and they may be able take legal action against you.
Opinions
You can ask us for a non-binding opinion on patent infringement.