In this age where all aspects of our lives are enhanced in some way by innovation, the value of good ideas is becoming increasingly important. With the development of a novel Digital Signal Process based image system it is necessary to protect the ideas and innovations from being poached to ensure that it remains as a success. The reason being that business success depends more on creativity and innovation, on seizing opportunities to build knowledge and on recognizing the unique value of intellectual property

Intellectual property is an invention, original design or practical application of an idea - in other words, it is the product of the mind or intellect. In business terms, this also means proprietary knowledge. Hence Intellectual property applies to a commercially valuable product of the human intellect, in a concrete or abstract form, such as a copyrightable work, a protectable trademark, a patentable invention, or a trade secret.

Normally, in any country, Intellectual Property rights revolve around four areas -patents, copyright, trademarks and designs.

With development of a novel product (DSP-based

To be registrable in the UK it must also be capable of being represented graphically, that is, in words and/or pictures.

However copyright, design right and performers rights are three important unregistered Intellectual Property rights that the company might have. The protection is automatic - there are no fees to pay or forms to fill in. Even if protection exists, it is sensible to take extra precautions.

.One of the most valuable marketing tools a business can own is a trademark. A trademark is therefore a "badge" of trade origin. It is used as a marketing tool so that customers can recognize the product of the company.

Hence it is important that the company follow the above pre-requisites before releasing its product so as to make the most out of its product.

Design registration gives the company, a monopoly on its imaging product, i.e. the right for a limited period to stop others from making, using or selling the product without their permission and is additional to any design right or copyright protection that may exist automatically in the design.

image processing system) regardless of it being a revolution or evolution, a patent to protect the functionality of the product is a legally enforceable right. This patent would give the company, the right for a limited period to stop others from making, using or selling the invention without the permission of the inventor. Patents are generally interested in functional and technical aspects of products and processes, and they must fulfill specific conditions to be granted. Typically, patent rights are territorial; meaning a UK patent does not give rights outside of

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