Member Article

Businesses at risk from IP crime

Businesses need to do more to protect their intellectual property, new research indicates.

A survey commissioned by the Intellectual Property Office’s IP Crime Group shows that, despite an awareness of the problem, 40% of businesses are doing nothing to protect their intellectual property.

Some 33% of companies are not certain that goods sold on their premises by external traders were legitimate.

Giles York, deputy chief constable and chair of the IP Crime Group and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said: “It is clear from this survey that many directors and managers are unaware of the damaging effect IP theft can have on their companies and themselves personally.

“Companies are aware of their duty to abide by other laws while at work, for example health and safety. We need to approach IP law with the same stringency.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .