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.
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.