Reading sequence
Looking after what you have
For looking after a collection of work, rights, agreements and records over time, however small.
The sequence
- 10 questions about the IP you already have
Ten questions to find out what your IP portfolio holds, who owns it, which dates are coming, and who should see what.
- Starting an IP inventory you will actually use
Build a six-column inventory of the work, permissions and agreements behind one project, link the proof, and keep secrets out of it.
- Following the ownership trail
Trace who owns each piece of a project, and what was signed along the way, before you promise anyone a licence.
- Keeping dates and obligations from slipping
Give every IP date a verified source, an earlier working date, one named person and a follow-up check, so a reminder that never arrives does not cost you a registration or a patent.
- Showing your portfolio to the right person
Show each person the work and rights facts their decision needs, and hold confidential detail back until there is an agreement to protect it.
- An annual check on the work you still care about
Once a year, compare what you make with what you have recorded, decide which rights are worth their next fee, and give every open item a name and a date.
Optional side paths
Every article in this section
10 questions about the IP you already have
Ten questions to find out what your IP portfolio holds, who owns it, which dates are coming, and who should see what.
Starting an IP inventory you will actually use
Build a six-column inventory of the work, permissions and agreements behind one project, link the proof, and keep secrets out of it.
Following the ownership trail
Trace who owns each piece of a project, and what was signed along the way, before you promise anyone a licence.
Keeping dates and obligations from slipping
Give every IP date a verified source, an earlier working date, one named person and a follow-up check, so a reminder that never arrives does not cost you a registration or a patent.
Showing your portfolio to the right person
Show each person the work and rights facts their decision needs, and hold confidential detail back until there is an agreement to protect it.
Updating names and ownership in official records
A move, a new name and a transfer of rights each take a different filing. Work out which one you have, file it in the right place, then check the record changed.
An annual check on the work you still care about
Once a year, compare what you make with what you have recorded, decide which rights are worth their next fee, and give every open item a name and a date.
Looking after the records behind your rights
Name your files, keep the originals, store copies in two places, and leave a one-page index so anyone can find the agreement, the file, and the approval.