19/12/2008 - Firms 'not protecting property'
Research shows that a number of businesses are not protecting their intellectual property, despite knowing it is important to do so.
Intellectual property, such as inventions, symbols or written articles, are essential to many businesses, but 40% of firms surveyed by the Intellectual Property Office's IP Crime Group took no action to protect information such as trade mark registration or employee training.
Another problem highlighted was that one third of businesses are not aware whether goods sold on their premises are legitimate or not. One fifth of employers who knew that employees were selling DVDs at work knew they were counterfeit, but still allowed the activity to take place despite intellectual property laws. Many of the managers said it was not their responsibility to stop it.
Deputy Chief Constable Giles York, chair of the IP Crime Group, said: "It is clear from this survey that many directors and managers are unaware of the damaging effect IP theft can have on their companies and themselves personally. Companies are aware of their duty to abide by other laws while at work, for example health and safety. We need to approach to IP law with the same stringency."
Copyright © Press Association 2008
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