This presentation is part of a series looking at answering the most frequently asked questions about crowdfunding. This one looks at how to protect your intellectual property.

1. CrowdFunding
How do I protect my
idea or intellectual
property?
FAQ

2. Protecting your idea and intellectual
property is a common question for
those wishing to use CrowdFunding

3. Once your idea is posted on a
CrowdFunding website it is open for
anyone to copy and use

4. There are ways however that you
can look to protect your
intellectual property

5. Protecting your idea differs from
country to country and broadly covers
patents,
trademarks,
copyright and domains

6. World conventions have been
signed by most countries on
copyright and trademarks
but
you need to take advice
as to your own particular situation

7. Some CrowdFunding websites have
systems in place to limit infringement
and can supply specific advice on
what you can do

8. You can help protect
your intellectual property
by looking at the following
five suggestions

9. Document your ideas
Record and date your ideas and
concepts as you develop them
See if you can secure witnesses
throughout the documentation process

10. Patent Protection
Essentially your application for a
patent needs to be
novel, useful and not obvious
This grants you the right to prevent
others from reproducing your concept

11. Trademarks
This is a distinctive indicator using a
word, name, symbol or combination
to represent a unique product/service
You can apply for a national, regional or
international trademark

12. Copyright
Normally the first person who creates
anything and fixes it in a
useable format owns the copyright
of that creation unless sold or given
away legally to another party

13. Domains
Domain ownership helps protect
your intellectual property so
make sure the domain is in your name

14. When you run a CrowdFunding
campaign your personal name gets
used everywhere
You have the right to protect any
unauthorised use of your personal
rights

15. Finally - you need to make your
own judgement or seek expert advice
to protect your idea before launching
a CrowdFunding campaign

16. There are many more
resources available to support
your CrowdFunding efforts at
CrowdFundingFocus.com

17. CrowdFunding
FOCUS