Most people these days have heard of intellectual property (or at least copyright). While the general public's awareness of IP is probably greater now than ever before, there seem to be numerous myths circulating in this field. The myths generally start "It's OK to copy a design/copyright work if…" and then many variations exist. These include "…if you only copy 10%" and "…if you acknowledge the author of the original work."
Such myths, some even amusing, can be dangerous. They can lead to serious negative consequences for companies if believed and acted on. Might your company's designer or marketing executive be merrily copying the work of others having consciously made 3 (or 7) changes to "avoid" infringement? If so, the company could be facing injunctions and expensive damages claims.
The IP team at Taylor Wessing has been collecting IP myths. So far, they have gathered over 25 examples but there are probably many more doing the rounds. Their idea is to expose the myths as the traps for the unwary that they undoubtedly are and thereby promote a better understanding of IP.
Such myths, some even amusing, can be dangerous. They can lead to serious negative consequences for companies if believed and acted on. Might your company's designer or marketing executive be merrily copying the work of others having consciously made 3 (or 7) changes to "avoid" infringement? If so, the company could be facing injunctions and expensive damages claims.
The IP team at Taylor Wessing has been collecting IP myths. So far, they have gathered over 25 examples but there are probably many more doing the rounds. Their idea is to expose the myths as the traps for the unwary that they undoubtedly are and thereby promote a better understanding of IP.
