IP protection is not a one-time event. Maintaining and enforcing your rights requires ongoing attention.
Monitoring for infringement
You need to watch for potential infringement of your IP rights. This includes:
- New trademark applications that might conflict with yours
- Competitors using similar names, logos, or branding
- Unauthorised use of your creative works
- Former employees using confidential information
We can set up watching services for trademark applications and advise on monitoring approaches appropriate to your situation.
Renewal requirements
Key renewal dates:
- Trademarks - Renewable every 10 years, indefinitely
- Patents - Annual renewal fees, maximum 20 years
- Domain names - Usually annual renewal
Missing renewal deadlines can result in loss of protection. We help clients track renewal dates and handle renewals.
Enforcement options
When someone infringes your IP, you have several options depending on the situation:
Cease and desist letter
Often the first step. A formal letter from lawyers puts the infringer on notice and demands they stop. Many infringement situations are resolved at this stage.
Negotiated settlement
Sometimes a commercial resolution makes sense, such as a licence agreement or agreement to modify the infringing use.
Opposition proceedings
If someone applies to register a trademark that conflicts with yours, you can oppose the application before registration.
Court action
For serious infringement that cannot be resolved otherwise, court proceedings may be necessary. This is usually a last resort due to cost and time.
When to seek help
Contact us when:
- You discover someone using your brand or IP
- You receive a cease and desist letter or infringement claim
- You want to expand protection (new products, new markets)
- A trademark renewal is approaching
- You are buying or selling a business and need IP due diligence
- An employee is leaving and you have IP concerns
What we do at this stage
We help clients respond to infringement situations, manage enforcement actions, handle renewals, and provide ongoing IP advice as their business evolves. Our relationship does not end when the trademark is registered.
Ready to protect your business IP?
Whether you are starting from scratch or need to strengthen existing protection, we are here to help you protect what you have built.
Discuss Your IP Protection