Intellectual property

Most elements of construction and infrastructure are tangible, but the concept of intellectual property (IP) is different. It refers to the ownership and commercial control of specific intangible rights. The key point is that, in most cases, it is the documented representation of the idea that is protected: an idea in isolation has no protection.

This section covers what is meant by IP and why it is protected. It then moves on to consider the key IP rights in construction and infrastructure and the ways in which these rights can be exploited. The author also sets out 7 prevalent 'myths' commonly believed about IP.

This section is maintained by Marcus Harling of Burges Salmon LLP.