When we talk about business growth, the focus often turns to funding, recruitment, or expanding into new markets. But there’s one asset that’s frequently overlooked—and yet it’s probably the most valuable: your Intellectual Property (IP).
Whether you’re developing a new product, refreshing your brand, or pitching to investors, IP underpins and protects your progress. It gives you legal ownership of your ideas—whether that’s your name, logo, packaging, design, or invention—and helps build a competitive edge that’s hard to replicate.
At NBR, we regularly see businesses come unstuck when they haven’t secured their IP. A copied name or product can cost you market share, delay launches, or even lead to legal disputes. On the flip side, protected IP helps retain profit, attract buyers or investors, and even unlock funding. Increasingly, banks and private investors ask to see what’s registered—not just what’s projected.
Want to grow? Start by protecting what you’ve built. Then leverage it. A trade mark or registered design isn’t just a legal tool—it’s a business asset that adds value and credibility. High Street banks are now lending against this intangible, but valuable assets.
If your business is innovating or scaling in 2025, don’t leave your IP until the last minute. It might just be the key to growing smarter, not harder.
For tailored advice, email us on [email protected] or call us on 0800 069 9090.
By Michaela Cusack, Solicitor and Director of the National Business Register (NBR) Group
www.nationalbusinessregister.co.uk