Intellectual property: the basics

Intellectual property (IP) rights protect genuine business assets that can be vital to your products or services, or the success and profitability of your business.

There are many advantages to securing your intellectual property rights. 

Enhance the market value of your business

IP can generate income for your business through licensing, sale or commercialisation of protected products or services. This can, in turn, improve your market share or raise your profits. In case of sale, merger or acquisition, having registered and protected IP assets can raise the value of your business.

Turn ideas into profit-making assets

Ideas on their own have little value. However, IP can help you to turn ideas into commercially successful products and services. Licensing your patents or copyright, for example, can lead to a steady stream of royalties and additional income that can boost your business' bottom line.

Market your business' products and services

IP is essential in creating an image for your business. Think trade marks, logos or the design of your products. IP can help you differentiate your products and services in the market and promote them to your customers.

Access or raise finance for your business

You can monetise your IP assets through sale, licensing or using them as collateral for debt financing. As well as this, you can use your IP as an advantage when applying for public or government funding, eg grants, subsidies or loans.

Enhance export opportunities for your business

IP can increase your competitiveness in export markets. You can use brands and designs to market goods and services abroad, seek franchising agreements with overseas companies, or export your patented products.

While some IP rights are automatic, others will need formal application and registration before you can claim them. Read more about the different types of intellectual property and the importance of protecting them.

You can also watch the Intellectual Property Office's video below that explains why IP is important to your business.