This week we looked at intellectual property (IP) and why it’s important for designers to understand.
Most of the information we covered can be found on .gov.uk, which is a helpful reference for legal guidance. I found it interesting to realise that anything created as an employee is typically owned by the company, a principle known as “work for hire.” This highlights the importance of understanding ownership when working in a professional environment.
We also covered the different types of IP, including copyright, patents, trademarks, and registered trademarks. Copyright is particularly relevant for designers as it protects content automatically upon creation, meaning your work is legally recognised from the moment it exists. I also learned about creative commons licensing, which allows creators to share their work under certain conditions. Finally, we touched on NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) and their role in protecting confidential information when collaborating with clients or employers.
Intellectual Property Office - GOV.UK
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Understanding intellectual property feels essential for professional practice. It’s not just a legal technicality, it directly affects how your work can be used, shared, or monetised. I want to make sure I’m mindful of IP in future projects, whether I’m working for a company, collaborating with others, or sharing work publicly. Learning about creative commons and NDAs also made me realise how designers can protect themselves while still engaging with the wider creative community.
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