Preventative procedures and policies
There are some simple and effective procedures and policies which business' can put in place to protect themselves and their employees, from civil or criminal liability, arising from infringing the Intellectual Property (IP) rights of others.
Failure to do so might result in financial penalties or, in the case of criminal liability, a prison sentence. There are also wider risks from computer viruses and malware.
This guide provides practical advice and tools to help tackle IP rights infringement within your business. It includes advice for senior management, office managers, Human Resources (HR) and Information Technology (IT) on what can be done to minimise your business risks.
While this guide seeks to provide information and advice it is not an exhaustive examination of all these issues and the steps that can be taken. It is important that you consult your legal advisers for advice and assistance in establishing suitable policies, guidance and procedures for your own organisation.
Business processes
Tools and reference guides have been developed to help business' embed these processes into their working practices, to avoid IP crime and the risk of civil infringement.
Procurement, including IT and software
Tools including links to reference materials to inform procurement practices, IT and general.
Licence compliance and management
Information and links to advice and resources, to support proactive licence management and controls, when using works protected by IP rights in the course of your business. This includes software and general licensing.