Defend your intellectual property
Take legal action
You can file legal proceedings either through the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) or through the courts.
Some types of proceedings can only be filed through one or the other. For example, copyright infringement claims can only be filed through the courts.
A court will expect you to have tried to resolve your dispute - possibly using mediation - before starting legal proceedings.
You can pay an Intellectual Property Professional to help you.
File through IPO
Contact IPO for more information on filing through them.
File through the courts in England and Wales
The court you go to depends on the nature, complexity and value of your claim.
Claims below £10,000
Use the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) small claims track if your claim is for less than £10,000 and for infringement of one of the following:
- copyright
- passing off
- trade marks
- breach of confidence
- unregistered design rights
You do not need a lawyer to use the IPEC small claims track.
Claims up to £500,000
You can take a case for any IP right to the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) if you do not wish to claim more than:
- £60,000 for legal costs
- £500,000 for damages
If you’re claiming more than £500,000 in damages
Use the Chancery Division of the High Court of England and Wales - there are no limits to legal costs or damages you can claim.
File through the courts in Scotland
Use the Court of Session if your claim is complex or valuable - there are no limits to legal costs or damages you can claim.
File through the courts in Northern Ireland
You can use the Chancery Division of the High Court of Northern Ireland if your claim is complex or valuable - there are no limits to legal costs or damages you can claim.