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What is IP and IP Assignment?
Intellectual property (IP) refers to the various rights available under the law for intangible assets – such as brand names, logos, original content, software code, and innovative business processes. In 2025, with digital innovation accelerating, safeguarding your IP is crucial for maintaining your competitive edge in the market.
Assigning IP means transferring ownership of these rights from one person or company to another. It’s essential that your business secures ownership of the IP driving its value, thereby minimising potential disputes and ensuring clear legal rights.
When Do I Need It?
Whenever you create or acquire IP that adds value to your business – whether that’s innovative software, a distinctive logo, or proprietary processes – it’s wise to ensure your company has full ownership. In 2025, many businesses are proactively addressing IP ownership either after creation or through pre-emptive contractual agreements to avoid future complications.
How Do I Do It?
There are two primary methods to ensure that your business retains complete ownership of the IP it utilises. Getting these details right will save you time, expense, and potential legal headaches later on.
- IP Assignment Deed – If another company or individual has developed IP for your business, an IP Assignment Deed transfers full rights to your company. This deed provides clarity by confirming that your business holds every legal right to the IP from the moment of transfer.
- IP Clause in Contracts – When engaging employees, contractors, or service providers to create IP – for example, a graphic designer crafting your logo or a developer building your app – include a clause in their contract that assigns all IP created to your business. This approach is increasingly common in 2025 as companies aim to protect their innovations from the outset.
It’s always a smart move to have these legal documents reviewed by a professional. For more guidance on drafting effective contract clauses, check out our Contract Drafting resource.
IP Assignment Example
Fraser has developed an innovative app that enables users to create personal to-do lists – a popular productivity tool in 2025. Although he conceptualised and designed the app himself, Fraser didn’t have the technical expertise to write the software code. To bring his vision to life, he engaged Katherine, an experienced software developer, and secured a lawyer to draft a comprehensive Development Agreement.
The Development Agreement not only sets out payment terms and the scope of work, but also includes a crucial clause where Katherine assigns her copyright in the software code to Fraser’s business and waives her moral rights. This means Fraser can confidently use the software code, knowing his company is the undisputed copyright owner. For further details, you can explore our guide on Software Development Agreements.
This example underscores the importance of securing clear IP ownership agreements to protect your business’s innovations and investments as you grow.
What IP Should I Own In My Business?
Identify the key intellectual property assets that contribute to your business’s value. Ask yourself: Who created it and does it legally belong to your company? In the dynamic environment of 2025, ensuring clear ownership of your IP is more important than ever.
Some things to check include:
- Logo Design
- Brand Assets
- Software Code
- Marketing Content
- Business Process Documentation
- Digital Content and Multimedia Assets
Need help with your eCommerce T&Cs?
Managing IP Assignment and drafting legal documents can be complex and daunting, as it’s hard to know exactly what provisions to include and how to word them effectively. With the evolving legal landscape in 2025, investing in professional advice can be a one-off cost that saves you future disputes and protects the value of your business.
At Sprintlaw, our experienced team is ready to assist you with drafting or reviewing your IP Assignment, contract clauses, and even your eCommerce Terms & Conditions. Get in touch with one of our consultants for a no-obligation chat about how we can support your business’s legal needs and ensure its assets are fully protected.
Regular Review of Your IP
In the ever-changing business environment of 2025, it’s wise to periodically review your intellectual property assets and the agreements that govern them. Regular reviews help ensure that your IP assignments remain enforceable under current laws and can also reveal new opportunities to fortify and monetise your innovations. For further insights, check out our Intellectual Property Guide.
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