Before using someone else’s IP, it is important to either buy their rights in such IP or obtain their permission to use it. Using someone else’s IP without permission is known as “infringing” their IP and could lead to civil damages and criminal fines, injunctions and seizure of goods and, in some cases such as counterfeiting or piracy, even imprisonment.

There are many instances where you may need to pay or obtain permission to use someone else’s IP, for example you may need to get licences from software providers, permission to use a professional photographer’s pictures on your website, permission to use music on your social media or permission to project a film at an event.

Next up: Enforcing your IP rights