When your innovation starts taking shape, the next big question is: how do you stop someone else from copying it or walking away with it?
IP protection often gets overlooked in the rush to develop or launch. But if it’s not locked down early, you could lose control over the very thing you’ve invested in.
SECURE OWNERSHIP BEFORE YOU NEED TO DEFEND IT
We’ve seen businesses get caught out because patents weren’t filed in time, designs weren’t registered, or subcontractors didn’t assign ownership.
That’s why Menzies helps clients tighten up their employment and contractor agreements from the start. It’s about making sure the business, not the individual, owns what’s being created. That’s key if you’re ever selling, licensing, or trying to raise capital.
KEEP YOUR PEOPLE INVESTED IN THE OUTCOME
Protecting IP also means protecting the people who created it. If your lead engineer walks out with three job offers, or your innovation lead is on LinkedIn looking for equity elsewhere, you’re exposed.
That’s why we help clients put share schemes like enterprise management incentives (EMI) and growth share schemes in place, so the people behind the innovation are tied into its success.
Our employer solutions and tax teams work together to structure schemes that are motivating, compliant, and, where possible, approved by HMRC in advance.
THIS ISN’T JUST LEGAL HOUSEKEEPING. IT’S FUTUREPROOFING
Investors and acquirers don’t just want to see innovation. They want to see that it’s protected, clearly owned, and tied to people who are staying with the business.
If your IP is vague, unregistered, or shared across contracts that don’t stack up under scrutiny, it becomes a red flag. Fixing it later is always harder and more expensive than getting it right early.
From Innovation to Commercial Success
Driving Growth in Manufacturing
01
SECURE OWNERSHIP
- Are all employee and contractor agreements clear on IP assignment?
- Have you included clauses for subcontractor- developed work?
02
PROTECT EARLY
- Have you registered key patents, trademarks, and design rights?
- Are you using NDAs or confidentiality agreements pre-launch?
03
INCENTIVISE KEY PEOPLE
- Have you put EMI or growth share schemes in place for critical staff?
- Do your rewards align with retention and growth goals?
04
VALUE YOUR IP
- Have you had your IP independently valued?
- Is your valuation defensible in exit or funding scenarios?
