How to Protect Your Business Intellectual Property — Trademarks, Patents, and Copyright (2026)
IP protection is the most neglected legal task for early-stage founders. UK trademark registration: £170 for one class online (takes 4 months).
IP protection is the most neglected legal task for early-stage founders. UK trademark registration: £170 for one class online (takes 4 months). US trademark: $250–350 per class. Copyright is automatic for original works but must be owned by the company (IP assignment from creator). Patents: expensive (£5,000–50,000) and slow (2–5 years) — relevant for hard tech, rarely for software. This article covers the priority order for founder IP protection.
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This content is educational and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation. Data last verified March 2026.