Does Intellectual Property Expire?

Intellectual property (IP) encompasses intangible assets such as inventions, designs, written works, and brand names. These assets help differentiate a business’s products and services from competitors, reinforcing brand identity and market value.

Can You Lose Intellectual Property Rights?

UK law provides strong legal protection for intellectual property through trademarks, patents, and copyright legislation. However, these rights are not indefinite and must be actively maintained and renewed. If a business fails to renew its IP rights within the prescribed timeframes, it risks losing legal protection, making the assets vulnerable to third-party use.

How Long Do Intellectual Property Rights Last in the UK?

The duration of intellectual property protection varies depending on the type of asset:

Trademarks

A registered trademark must be renewed every 10 years with the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) to maintain legal protection.

• A renewal application can be submitted within six months before the expiry date.
• If the renewal deadline is missed, an application can still be made up to six months after expiry, though an additional fee will apply.
• After this period, a business may apply for trademark restoration within another six months, providing a written explanation for the missed renewal.

Patents

A patent must be renewed starting on the fourth anniversary of the original application and then annually thereafter.

• The renewal due date is the last day of the month in which the original application was filed.
• Applications must be submitted within three months before or up to one month after the due date to avoid penalties.
• Late renewals (up to six months overdue) incur increasing financial penalties.
• Patents can be renewed for a maximum period of 20 years.

Copyright

The duration of copyright protection depends on the type of work:

• Written, dramatic, musical, and artistic works – 70 years after the author’s death.
• Sound and music recordings – 70 years after first publication.
• Films – 70 years after the deaths of the director, screenplay author, and composer.

How Trademark Eagle Can Assist with Intellectual Property Protection

Maintaining intellectual property rights requires diligence and timely action. Trademark Eagle can help streamline the renewal process, ensuring all applications are submitted on time to prevent the loss of protection.

Our experienced team is dedicated to providing high-quality IP management services, with a proven track record of success.

For more information on how we can assist in protecting your intellectual property, contact us today:

Call: 01223 208 624
Email: enquiries@trademark-eagle.com
Or complete our online contact form