Intellectual Property

Intellectual property can be a valuable business asset. Our solicitors advise businesses on ownership, licensing, confidentiality, intellectual property provisions within commercial agreements and the commercial exploitation of intellectual property rights, helping to protect and maximise business value.

...with you every step of the way since 1927

Our Intellectual Property (IP) practice provides comprehensive services to protect, enforce, and monetise your intangible assets.

Working in conjunction with our global network of experienced trademark attorneys we can assist with Trademark issues, conducting clearance searches, filing applications with the UKIPO and EUIPO, and enforcing registered marks against infringement. For creative works, we advise on Copyright Enforcement and protection, drafting licences and assignment agreements for literary, musical, artistic, and software works.

We also advise on infringement of rights, Design Rights, Domain Name Disputes, and Confidential Information Protection.

Our enforcement services include takedown notices, cease-and-desist letters, negotiations, and litigation support, ensuring your IP rights are vigorously protected.

We help clients draft IP Licensing Agreements to commercialise technologies, negotiate royalty streams, and manage IP portfolios strategically and with clarity.

Whether you’re a start-up with a new invention, a brand owner expanding globally, or a content creator facing infringement, our team delivers commercially sensible IP solutions tailored to your industry and growth objectives.

If you are looking for solutions to your questions, why not give us a call today on a no obligation basis?

Want to understand whether you can trademark a logo or tagline? Speak with a solicitor experienced in trademark law.
Unsure how to protect your technical invention with a patent application? Let us connect you with one of our network specialising in patent drafting and prosecution.
Looking to license your copyrighted software or creative work and structure royalty agreements or other commercial terms? Talk to a solicitor knowledgeable in IP licensing.
Concerned about domain name disputes or cybersquatting issues? Reach out to a solicitor who handles domain dispute resolution.
Facing infringement of your design rights and need advice on enforcement options? Speak with a solicitor experienced in IP litigation.

You can contact Chris Taylor by email at christaylor@eatonsmith.co.uk

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer intellectual property registration services in the UK for businesses, software companies or creative professionals?

We ourselves do not directly undertake the registration of intellectual property rights such as trade marks, patents or registered designs. However, we work closely with a trusted network of specialist UK and international IP attorneys who can manage applications for businesses across sectors, including technology, manufacturing and the creative industries. We can assist you with comprehensive legal support following registration in relation to their commercialisation and enforcement.

What intellectual property legal services do you provide after registration for businesses in sectors like software, manufacturing and media?

Once your intellectual property rights are in place (including copyright which does not require registration in the UK), we advise on licensing, transfers of ownership and enforcement strategies. Our clients include game developers and publishers, software developers, SaaS providers, manufacturers and creative businesses. We focus on helping you maximise the commercial value of your IP assets while ensuring they are properly protected under English law.

How can a solicitor help with software licensing, music licensing or other IP licensing agreements in the UK?

We regularly draft and negotiate intellectual property licensing agreements across a range of sectors, including software licensing (SaaS and digital platforms), music and media rights, and manufacturing know-how. We assist in structuring royalty arrangements, defining permitted use, and ensuring your agreements are commercially robust and legally enforceable.

What should I do if someone infringes my intellectual property rights in my business or creative work?

If you suspect infringement of your intellectual property rights, whether in relation to software, branding, music, designs or manufacturing processes, we can advise on the most appropriate course of action. This may include cease-and-desist letters, takedown notices, negotiated settlements or litigation support. Our approach is always pragmatic and commercially focused.

Can you help with copyright ownership and copyright assignment for software developers, musicians or creative businesses?

Yes. We advise on copyright ownership and prepare assignment agreements across a wide range of sectors, including software development, music, game development and digital content creation. This is particularly relevant where works are created by employees or by freelancers or contractors, as ownership arises differently across those categories.

Can you help manage intellectual property risk in commercial contracts for technology, manufacturing or creative businesses?

Yes. We regularly advise on intellectual property provisions within commercial contracts, including software development agreements, manufacturing arrangements and creative or media collaborations. This includes clarifying how IP is created, used and shared during a project, as well as addressing licensing rights, confidentiality and restrictions on use. Our aim is to minimise risk and ensure your IP position is clearly defined from the outset.

How can I protect confidential information and trade secrets in industries such as technology, manufacturing and media?

Protecting confidential information is critical for businesses in sectors such as technology, manufacturing and the creative industries. We advise on confidentiality agreements or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), as well as wider contractual and operational protections to safeguard commercially sensitive information, proprietary processes and know-how. Our advice ensures these protections are robust and enforceable under English law

How can a solicitor help with intellectual property due diligence in company or business sales, acquisitions or investments?

We advise on intellectual property due diligence as part of corporate transactions, including company or business sales, acquisitions and investments. This is particularly relevant for technology businesses, software companies, manufacturers and creative industries, where IP assets are often central to value. We review ownership, identify risks or gaps in protection, and ensure intellectual property rights are clearly documented and transferable, supporting a smooth transaction process.

Do I need to physically come into your offices to work with you?

Eaton Smith are based in Huddersfield but we provide our services to clients globally, so no matter where you are located if you are looking to comply with UK Consumer Law we can work with you remotely. We have systems in place to support working with clients entirely remotely and this often reduces your overall costs compared to needing to attend an office as some law firms may still require.

Do I need to physically come into your offices to work with you?