In a competitive market, intellectual property is often the most valuable asset of a business. Whether it is technological innovation, distinctive product design, or a strong brand: Those who pioneer want to prevent others from copying their ideas and profiting from their success. Industrial property rights provide the legal instruments for this – and with advice and support from IHKs and the DIHK, you are not alone: We help you secure your rights and enforce them when necessary.
What is meant by industrial property rights?
Industrial property rights encompass all legal rules aimed at protecting intellectual creations within the industrial domain. These include in particular:
- Patents – they protect technical inventions that are new and commercially applicable.
- Utility models – the "small patent" with a simplified registration process and shorter lifespan.
- Designs – they protect the appearance of products, which could include their shape, colour, or surface texture.
- Trademarks – they protect all symbols capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one company from those of others, thus ensuring your company’s recognition and reputation.
These rights grant you exclusive usage rights, allowing you to decide, within the scope of legal regulations, who can manufacture, offer, or use your protected creations.
Why industrial property rights are important for your business
- Securing competitive edge: Property rights help prevent imitation and safeguard your investments.
- Enhancing economic value: Registered rights can be licensed, transferred, or strategically utilized in other ways.
- Strengthening image: Property rights build trust among customers and business partners.
By protecting innovations and creative achievements, you secure your market position in the long term and establish a stable foundation for future growth.
How DIHK and IHKs support you
- Individualized consulting: Your respective IHK can answer questions about the functioning and prerequisites for acquiring industrial property rights.
- Inventor consulting: Many IHKs offer orientation formats alongside patent attorneys to discuss the fundamentals of industrial property rights, such as patent strategies or application procedures.
- Trademark registration process: IHKs support examining whether existing rights of third parties or other reasons may obstruct a trademark’s registration.
Through the portal www.ihk.de, you can quickly find your competent chamber and suitable contact persons.
- Relevant in topic:
- Serviceportal
Ansprechpartner
Julian Kulaga
Director Consumer Law and Intellectual Property Law