A trade mark is a sign that sets your goods or services apart from others. this can include a business or product name, slogan, logo, or image. Trade marks can cover words, colours, sounds and shapes.
Why register a trade mark?
Registering a trade mark:
protects your logo and brand identity.
prevents others from using confusingly similar marks.
A patent protects new inventions, such as a product, process, or technology. To qualify, an invention must be new, inventive and capable of industrial use.
Why apply for a patent?
A patent:
gives you exclusive rights to make, use, or sell your invention for a set period, usually up to 20 years
encourages innovation by rewarding inventors
can be licensed or sold, creating revenue opportunities
Patents are registered in the UK and then re-registered in Jersey. See Patent registration and re-registration for more information. (awaiting link for the registration and re-registration of patents process).
Designs
Design protection covers how a product looks, such as its shape, pattern, or decoration, rather than how it works.
Why protect a design?
Design protection:
helps stop others from copying the look of your product
supports a unique market presence
adds value to your brand and products
Designs are registered in the UK and then re-registered in Jersey. More information is available from: (awaiting link for the registration and re-registration of designs process when created).
Copyright
Copyright protects original creative works, including books, music, films, software, and artistic designs. In Jersey, copyright protection is automatic under the Copyright (Jersey) Law 1995.You do not need to register.
Why rely on copyright?
Copyright:
gives you control over copying, sharing, and adapting your work.
helps prevent unauthorised use
usually lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus 70 years
Although registration is not required, keep records of your work to prove ownership if needed.
