Intellectual Property Policy

An intellectual property policy is a document that sets out a company’s guidelines and procedures for creating, protecting, and using intellectual property (IP). It defines the types of IP the company owns, such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. The policy also specifies who owns IP created by employees or contractors, and how it can be used or licensed. It may include procedures for identifying and disclosing new IP, filing for legal protection, and enforcing rights against infringement. The policy should also address confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations, as well as the consequences of violating the policy. An effective intellectual property policy helps a company to safeguard its valuable intangible assets and maintain its competitive advantage.