At Marlborough Law, we’re always looking for ways to support our clients with clear, practical legal guidance, even in areas we don’t directly specialise in. That’s why we host our Legal Podcast series, where we bring in trusted experts to share their insights.
In our latest episode, we were joined by Richard Turner, a UK and European patent attorney and partner at Stevens Hewlett & Perkins. We sat down with Richard to demystify the world of intellectual property (IP) law, what it covers, why it matters, and what you need to know whether you’re starting a business, developing a product, or managing a brand.
This blog post captures the key points from that discussion and should help answer many of the questions you might have about IP law, whether you’re wondering how to protect your idea, what counts as public domain, or how to handle a suspected infringement.
Who is Richard Turner?
Richard combines technical knowledge with legal expertise, making him a natural fit for the complex world of IP. With a background in mathematics, he now works with a broad range of clients, from start-ups to multinational corporations.
Richard says: “IP law sits at the intersection of technology, business, and legal thinking. That’s what makes it so interesting and challenging.”
What Kind of Clients Use IP Lawyers?
Richard’s firm helps individuals, entrepreneurs, and large corporations alike. Many clients come to them when they need advice on their first patent or trademark, while others are managing large portfolios.
Q: Do you work internationally?
Richard: “Yes, we support UK-based clients globally, and also work with international companies who have operations or R&D here in the UK.”
Staying Current in a Fast-Moving Field
The world of IP law changes quickly especially with new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). Richard explained that staying up to date is a daily task, aided by professional bodies and legal news platforms.
“There’s a lot of movement right now in how AI-related inventions are treated under patent law. It’s an area to watch.”
Dealing with Infringement
Q: What happens if someone copies your idea or brand?
Richard: “We always assess the situation first and usually start with a letter. Most issues resolve without going to court, but we’re ready to litigate when necessary.”
Infringement cases range from innocent mistakes to outright copying. Surprisingly, the latter are often the simplest to resolve.
IP for Start-Ups and Inventors
If you’ve got a new idea or invention, Richard’s advice is to act early. A patent search is the first step, followed by a UK application if the idea is unique. International protection comes later, based on business goals.
Q: What if I don’t have the budget yet?
Richard: “If the idea is strong, funding can follow. We’re happy to have early conversations to help clients understand what they’ll need and when.”
What About Copyright and Trade Secrets?
While Richard’s firm focuses primarily on patents and trademarks, copyright and trade secrets do come into play, especially in creative or digital industries.
Trademarks can last indefinitely with proper use and renewal.
Copyright matters most in publishing, media, and design.
Trade secrets must be kept truly secret to remain protected.
Richard noted: “If it’s ever made publicly accessible, even in a forgotten document then it’s no longer a secret, and it can’t be patented.”
Our Thoughts on IP Law
IP protection isn’t just for big businesses, it’s vital for start-ups and entrepreneurs too. Whether you’re developing a product or building a brand, understanding and securing your IP is key to long-term success.
This conversation with Richard Turner highlighted just how accessible good IP advice can be, and why thinking about it early could save time, money, and stress down the line.
For those who missed the podcast, this post captures the essentials but we encourage you to listen to the full episode. And if you’re looking for expert IP support, we’ll be adding Richard’s contact details to our website shortly.
