World Intellectual Property Day
Published byMartin O’Neill
Ahead of this year’s World Intellectual Property Day (26 April 2023), Martin O’Neill, Partner in Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie’s Corporate team in Glasgow, answers some questions.
What led to you being involved in IP work?
I have always had an interest in technology, and was lucky enough to be one of the first UK students to obtain a masters degree LL.M. in IT Law before practising law.
World Intellectual Property (IP) day is on 26 April 2023, what kind of things are WJM involved in this year in respect of IP?
We are busy advising a very varied client base on everything from copyright in musical works to protecting advanced mobile communications technology. Our clients are active in a number of our specialist sectors such as technology start-ups, healthcare and telecoms. Our work may involve helping enforce our clients’ rights when they are being infringed, or something less contentious like helping them licence their brand to selected licensees.
What should business owners be thinking about when it comes to IP in 2023?
All successful businesses face the risk of good ideas being copied, or third parties taking advantage of the goodwill they have built up in their brand. Owners and managers should be familiar with the basic types of intellectual property and what steps need to be taken to protect the IP and strengthen their position as a rights holder.
What are WJM thinking about on the run up to Word IP Day 2023?
Our nearly 170 year heritage and links to historical IP. One of the first recorded trademarks was the iconic triangle appearing on bottles manufactured by the Bass Brewing Company. This was the first registered trade mark in 1875, under the new trade mark law at that time. WJM solicitors had by this time been trading for over 20 years.
Over the years, the Bass company split the brewing arm of its business from the hospitality arm, and our firm has had the privilege of acting for the company in various incarnations through into the 21st century. This World IP Day 2023, we are pleased to reflect on this heritage. We now represent not only famous hospitality names by virtue of our leisure and hospitality specialists, but also global drinks giants (from home and abroad) via our Drinks Industry Sector specialists.
How do we get in touch for advice on the relevant specialist sectors, or intellectual property?
Our team is on hand to advise on all legal issues relating to IP, so if you’re in need of advice, please feel free to reach out to me on mon@wjm.co.uk and I would be delighted to help.
The information contained in this newsletter is for general guidance only and represents our understanding of relevant law and practice as at April 2023. Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP cannot be held responsible for any action taken or not taken in reliance upon the contents. Specific advice should be taken on any individual matter. Transmissions to or from our email system and calls to or from our offices may be monitored and/or recorded for regulatory purposes. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 319 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5RZ. A limited liability partnership registered in Scotland, number SO 300336.
