Advice on trademarks, copyright, patents and design rights

Explore how we help businesses with their commercial legal requirements.

Contact our team

In today’s competitive and fast-moving business environment, safeguarding your intellectual property (IP) is essential to maintaining your market position and protecting the value of your creations.

Whether you’re launching a new brand, developing innovative products, or creating unique content, having the right legal support in place ensures your ideas remain yours and are legally defended against misuse.

At Moore Barlow, we understand that your IP is often one of your most valuable assets. Our dedicated commercial and technology team offers clear, strategic and commercially-focused advice on trademarks, copyright, patents and design rights. With the right IP strategy, you can enhance your competitive advantage, open up new income streams and prevent unauthorised use of your work.

What is intellectual property?

Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind that are protected by law, enabling individuals and businesses to earn recognition or financial benefit. This includes:

  • Trademarks – signs, logos or brand names that distinguish your products or services.
  • Copyright – protects original literary, artistic, musical and dramatic works.
  • Patents – safeguard innovations and inventions by giving exclusive rights to the inventor.
  • Design rights – protect the visual appearance or design of products.

Protecting your IP not only prevents others from copying or using your work without permission but also supports licensing and franchising opportunities and enhances your credibility in the marketplace.

John Warchus

John Warchus

Partner | Commercial

079 6656 9299

How we can help

Our experienced team delivers advice that is tailored to your business, industry and ambitions. Whether you’re a start-up seeking to secure new IP rights, or a well-established company needing to enforce them, we guide you through the whole process. We can assist you with:

  • Registering and protecting trademarks, patents and designs in the UK and internationally.
  • Drafting and negotiating licensing, assignment and confidentiality agreements.
  • Managing and enforcing copyright in digital and physical formats.
  • Providing strategic advice on IP portfolios and managing renewals.
  • Handling disputes, infringements and oppositions with a pragmatic and commercially aware approach.

We are here to help

Discover how our expert commercial and technology lawyers can help you.

Why choose Moore Barlow?

We are ranked as a leading firm by both Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for our commercial expertise. Our approachable and highly skilled lawyers work closely with clients across various sectors, including technology, media, retail, healthcare and education. We take pride in offering practical, clear advice that supports business growth and reduces risk.

With offices in London, Southampton, Guildford and across the South East, we provide a personal and responsive service, ensuring you’re supported at every stage. At Moore Barlow, we combine deep legal knowledge with a commercial mindset to help you make informed decisions on your intellectual property rights.

Get in touch

If you need advice on trademarks, copyright, patents or design rights, our team is here to help. Whether you’re unsure of what protection your work needs or facing an IP infringement issue, we’re happy to talk through your options. Please contact us today to arrange a consultation.

We are here to help

Discover how our expert commercial and technology lawyers can help you.

Contact our commercial and technology team

FAQs

What is the difference between a patent and a design right?

Registering a trademark gives you exclusive rights to its use in connection with your goods or services, helping to prevent others from using similar marks. While unregistered trademarks can offer limited protection, registration provides stronger and more enforceable rights.

A patent protects how something works – an invention or technical process – whereas a design right protects how something looks, such as the shape, pattern or configuration of a product.

In the UK, copyright usually lasts for the life of the creator plus 70 years, depending on the type of work. It arises automatically upon creation, without the need for registration.

Yes, licensing allows others to use your IP in exchange for payment or other benefits. This can be a valuable commercial tool, but it’s essential to have licensing agreements drafted or reviewed by legal experts to ensure your rights are protected.

Your IP is worth protecting. Moore Barlow is here to help you do just that clearly, efficiently and effectively.

Our commercial legal service brochure

Explore our commercial and technology legal services, designed to help businesses prosper.  Our team of experienced lawyers provide tailored advice and support to clients across a range of sectors, from start-ups to multinational corporations.

Download our brochure

Our team accreditations

Testimonials