What is an IP strategy?

An IP strategy is a structured plan outlining how you will identify, protect and commercialise your intellectual property assets (patents, trademarks, designs, copyright and trade secrets) to support your business goals. A comprehensive, well-executed IP strategy is essential for gaining and maintaining a competitive advantage. Leveraging IP maximises the value of your business, minimises legal risks and can make it easier to attract investment.

What countries should I validate my European Patent in?

In order for your European Patent to take legal effect in a particular country, it must be validated in that country. That is to say that you should validate your European Patent in the countries in which you would like to be able to enforce your monopoly right to your invention. Your rights under your European Patent are infringed by anyone making, using, offering for sale, selling, or importing for these purposes the patented product without your consent in a country in which your EP takes effect. Where the subject matter of your patent is a process, your rights under your European Patent are infringed by anyone using, offering for sale, selling, or importing for these purposes the product obtained by the patented process without your consent in a country in which your EP takes effect. Bearing in mind all the different infringing acts may help you when considering the question of where to validate your European Patent. To choose the countries where you would like to validate your European Patent, you may consider the existing and predicted market for your invention in each country – which countries are key to maintaining or securing a significant share of the European market? In addition, you may consider the activities of your competitors – in which countries are these activities taking place? If you believe your patent is being infringed already, you may consider seeking specific advice about which countries to choose to best address this issue. The procedure for validating your European Patent is not the same in each country. You may also wish to take procedural requirements and costs into account when selecting countries for validation of your European Patent.

How can I keep track of my patent renewals?

Effective management of patent renewals often involves keeping a detailed record of patent portfolios and using reminders for due dates. Alternatively, you may engage the services of a patent attorney or an annuity service provider, which can streamline the patent renewal process and ensure that all deadlines are met.

What is the difference between a patent and a trade mark?

While a patent provides legal protection for an invention or process, safeguarding its exclusivity and preventing others from making, using, or selling the patented invention without permission, a trademark serves to protect a name, phrase, symbol, or design that uniquely identifies and distinguishes the origin of goods or services. Trademarks play a crucial role in branding by allowing consumers to associate particular qualities or attributes with a specific product or service provider. Both patents and trademarks are essential tools in safeguarding intellectual property rights, but they serve different purposes and cover distinct aspects of innovation and brand recognition.

Can I register a design outside of my own country?

Yes, you can apply for registered design protection in other countries. This can be done either nationally or through the Hague System, which allows you to register a design in multiple member countries with a single application.

Can I sell or license my patent?

Yes, like any other property, a patent can be sold, licensed, or transferred. This can provide a source of income for the patent holder. Furthermore, a license agreement can allow the patent holder to maintain control over their invention. When licensing or transferring patents, it's important to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and proper legal counsel is obtained. This helps to protect both parties involved in the transaction and brings clarity to the contractual arrangements.

Global IP Portfolio Management & Strategy

By blending technical, legal and commercial expertise, our intellectual property attorneys guide every aspect of your global strategy.

We protect: your IP portfolio, globally #

Our attorneys help US-based companies to secure and optimise every aspect of their intellectual property portfolio, in every corner of the globe.

Covering patents, trademarks, copyright, design rights, we offer a comprehensive, cohesive and coordinated portfolio management service for all IP rights.

From start to finish, our IP attorneys’ focus will be on your success.

We’ll create a tailored IP strategy and manage it proactively, leveraging our extensive jurisdictional network to help you achieve your commercial goals.

We know that if you’re going to invest in protecting your intellectual property around the world, you want to see a return.

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Talk to us

info@murgitroyd.com +1 (919) 474 8300 Inquire now Meet the team

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Your strategic global IP portfolio partner #

We work with US corporations, SMEs, law firms, and in-house counsel who need a trusted single point of contact for accelerating their IP strategy overseas.

Many aspects of European and global IP strategy differ from those in the US.

We can help you navigate these obstacles efficiently and cost-effectively, covering global filing coordination, renewals, IP watching and litigation.

We also offer European patent validations, renewals, Unitary Patent administration and the many other managed services you may need to meet your global IP ambitions.

With two US liaison offices, regular attorney travel, and specialist docketing and search teams across US time zones, we integrate closely with US-headquartered teams.

Our services

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Specialist expertise in your area #

Key to any successful IP strategy is a sharp awareness of the commercial context.

Our attorneys bring deep expertise and first-hand experience across many specialist sectors, domains and technology areas.

Engineering, life sciences, chemistry, media, brands and retail, and many more – our industry insight ensures you have the very best legal and technical expertise in your corner, shaped by knowledge and understanding of your commercial goals.

So, what should you expect from your Murgitroyd team? We’ll be proactive. We’ll consider your short- and long-term goals, and always offer bespoke advice grounded in experience.

We’re proud to be routinely recognised in leading IP industry reports, including Financial Times, Legal 500, IPStars, Managing IP, IAM Strategy 300, WIPR Leaders and WTR 1000.

Our sector knowledge

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Globally-connected IP portfolio management experts #

With a commanding presence across Europe, Asia and the Americas, we cover all the regions, cultures and time zones you need to meet your business objectives.

Our worldwide presence gives us the on-the-ground expertise required to provide tailored, localised solutions.

We can file directly in 17 European countries and represent clients before key IP offices, including the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO), European Patent Office (EPO) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Where we don’t represent directly, we work with a carefully-selected network of specialist partner firms, ensuring a one-stop service, globally.

Our jurisdictions

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Streamline and optimise your IP portfolio management #

Every business requires a tailored approach to IP strategy. This process might begin with an audit of the value of your existing assets and their relevance to your wider business goals.

“Our experienced team will guide you through all aspects of intellectual property strategy building and IP portfolio management, to create a custom-fit solution for your business.”

— Gordon Stark, CEO

The aim is to ensure your IP strategy always evolves with your business aims and objectives. Ready to get started?

Alan Fiddes partners closely with his patrons at a strategic and commercial level.

WTR 1000 - 2025

Joanne Lecky is praised for her ‘legal brilliance and strategic foresight'

Legal 500

Jenny (Smith’s) attention to detail, clear communication, and strategic approach have been invaluable in protecting our intellectual property assets.

Research Company

(Jacqueline) McKay is a highly strategic thinker who digs deep into her client’s business to ensure that her advice is aligned with their overall commercial goals.

WTR 1000 - 2025

(Catherine) Hanratty’s significant experience in examination, opposition and appeal proceedings at the EPO adds strategic depth to her versatile contributions.

IAM 1000 - 2025

(Eleanor) Coates places her clients’ best interests at the centre of each strategic decision – she sees the big picture to ensure that positive results are long lasting.

WTR 1000 - 2025

Thanks to your strategic advice and meticulous support, we have built an international portfolio of patents that safeguards our innovation.

Technical Director, Packaging Company

Tom drafts patent applications with precision, seeing them through to grant and leverages his international acumen to ensure clients achieve worldwide protection.

IAM 300 Strategy Global Leaders - 2025

I can only give the highest praise for Mark and his team regarding the work they've done for us so far, especially regarding their speed and flexibility when decisions had to be made on a very short notice.

Co-Founder, Medicines Company

Thanks a lot, also for the pleasant collaboration with this filing. It was amazing how fast you could react to our suggestions and how well ahead of time we always were with this filing.

Global Company

IP portfolio management and strategy FAQs #

Reach out to our attorneys if you have questions about any aspect of global IP strategy.

An IP strategy is a structured plan outlining how you will identify, protect and commercialise your intellectual property assets (patents, trademarks, designs, copyright and trade secrets) to support your business goals.
A comprehensive, well-executed IP strategy is essential for gaining and maintaining a competitive advantage. Leveraging IP maximises the value of your business, minimises legal risks and can make it easier to attract investment.
In order for your European Patent to take legal effect in a particular country, it must be validated in that country. That is to say that you should validate your European Patent in the countries in which you would like to be able to enforce your monopoly right to your invention.
Your rights under your European Patent are infringed by anyone making, using, offering for sale, selling, or importing for these purposes the patented product without your consent in a country in which your EP takes effect. Where the subject matter of your patent is a process, your rights under your European Patent are infringed by anyone using, offering for sale, selling, or importing for these purposes the product obtained by the patented process without your consent in a country in which your EP takes effect. Bearing in mind all the different infringing acts may help you when considering the question of where to validate your European Patent.
To choose the countries where you would like to validate your European Patent, you may consider the existing and predicted market for your invention in each country – which countries are key to maintaining or securing a significant share of the European market? In addition, you may consider the activities of your competitors – in which countries are these activities taking place? If you believe your patent is being infringed already, you may consider seeking specific advice about which countries to choose to best address this issue.
The procedure for validating your European Patent is not the same in each country. You may also wish to take procedural requirements and costs into account when selecting countries for validation of your European Patent.
Effective management of patent renewals often involves keeping a detailed record of patent portfolios and using reminders for due dates. Alternatively, you may engage the services of a patent attorney or an annuity service provider, which can streamline the patent renewal process and ensure that all deadlines are met.
While a patent provides legal protection for an invention or process, safeguarding its exclusivity and preventing others from making, using, or selling the patented invention without permission, a trademark serves to protect a name, phrase, symbol, or design that uniquely identifies and distinguishes the origin of goods or services. Trademarks play a crucial role in branding by allowing consumers to associate particular qualities or attributes with a specific product or service provider. Both patents and trademarks are essential tools in safeguarding intellectual property rights, but they serve different purposes and cover distinct aspects of innovation and brand recognition.
Yes, you can apply for registered design protection in other countries. This can be done either nationally or through the Hague System, which allows you to register a design in multiple member countries with a single application.
Yes, like any other property, a patent can be sold, licensed, or transferred. This can provide a source of income for the patent holder.
Furthermore, a license agreement can allow the patent holder to maintain control over their invention. When licensing or transferring patents, it's important to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed and proper legal counsel is obtained. This helps to protect both parties involved in the transaction and brings clarity to the contractual arrangements.