Fast Facts
- Patents protect the processes that make things work
- Trade marks protect logos that distinguish goods and services
- Designs protect the look of three-dimensional shapes
- Copyright protects material only when it is written down or recorded
See Also
Internet links
Intellectual property (IP) is any form of original creation that can be bought or sold - from music to machinery. The four main types of IP rights are patents, trade marks, designs and copyright but there are many other ways to protect your IP.
IP for education
From Wallace & Gromit's Cracking Ideas 
to the Think kit here's where students and teachers can find IP information.
IP for business
Looking for IP advice for your business? We offer a full range of advice and support services for businesses of all sizes.
Shape IP Policy
Tell us what you think IP should look like through our consultations.
Research & knowledge transfer
Find out more about IP in relation to research in higher education institutions and research establishments.