IP is a form of creation – your creation.

When you create works of original expression fixed in a visual, literary, musical or dramatic format, you create copyrights that support your voice and your message.

If you have an idea to make or do something new and useful, you can reduce it to practice and describe it in a patent to have a say in how your invention is worked.

Where form meets function, a novel feature of ornamentation applied to a useful article reflects a passion for living with an eye for industrial design.

You know that specific tool, process or other advantage you have reserved for your enterprise? Keep it confidential and it could be your trade secret.

Distinguish your goods and services in the mind of your customers by branding them well and your trademarks will be beacons for the goodwill and reputation you work hard to build everyday for your enterprise.

IP is a framework for enterprising relationships.

How you engage with collaborators, competitors, customers or the public requires tools for dialogue, feedback, and taking action. IP provides a context and a language for working with and through the relationships that impact your enterprise. Sometimes the IP framework is set out in a private agreement, sometimes in government regimes and sometimes in both.

IP is at the heart of your enterprise.

Intellectual property accounts for most of the value of an enterprise. It is an integral aspect of everything you do when you apply artistry, science or vision to provide solutions. Take the time to recognize and understand the IP assets you have. Work with them as a seamlessly integrated, inseparable part of your enterprise and experience greater well being and satisfaction for your efforts, both on the books and in the results you witness.

For an informal and analytical resource about intellectual property see Jill Gilbert’s, “The Entrepreneur’s Guide to patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, & licensing” (2004) Berkley Books, New York.