The first time I walked into a gym I was terrified. Everyone else seemed to know exactly what they were doing, I wasn’t sure which machine did what, and I was convinced that people were judging my technique. Overall, it felt extremely intimidating. But here's what I learnt: nobody is watching, they're all too busy focusing on their own workout.
Starting to protect your intellectual property (IP) can feel surprisingly similar. You might think your business isn't "big enough", or that IP protection is only for major corporations with legal teams. But just as you don't need to be an Olympic or Paralympic athlete to benefit from the gym, you don't need to be a multinational company to protect what makes your business unique.
You don't need to be perfect to start
One of the biggest myths about the gym is that you need to get fit before you join. The same goes for IP protection – many business owners think they need to wait until their company is fully established before thinking about trade marks, patents or design rights and copyright.
Actually, it's often the opposite. Protecting your brand name early, registering a distinctive logo, or securing design rights for your product can be crucial as you grow. Your IP might feel small now, but like those early gym sessions, small consistent efforts build up over time. The trade mark you register today could become extremely valuable as your reputation grows, and you could use that patent to attract inward investment or license your service or product.
Weights, cardio... patents?
At the gym, some people focus on cardio, others on strength training, and some prefer yoga. Your fitness goals determine your approach. The same principle applies to IP.
A graphic designer might prioritise copyright and design rights. A tech startup may need patent protection for their innovation. A service business might focus on protecting their brand through trade marks. There's no one-size-fits-all approach – it's about understanding what matters most for your specific business.
Not sure which type of IP protection you need? Our intellectual property overview can help you decide.
Ask for help when you need it
When I first started going to the gym, I had no idea how to use half the equipment. I could have spent weeks figuring it out myself (and probably injuring myself in the process), but asking a trainer for help got me on the right track immediately.
The same applies to IP protection. You don't need to navigate this alone, and there's a wealth of free support available:
- Free one-to-one IP guidance and support: a network of PatLib Centres (Patent Libraries) across the UK offers free one-hour business and IP consultations
- Training and events: the IPO runs courses, seminars and workshops where you can speak directly with IP experts
- Online resources: from YouTube videos to interactive tools that help you identify which IP protection you need
- Professional support: for more complex matters, regulated patent and trade mark attorneys can provide specialist advice.
Read all about the support options available and how to access them here: Seeking IP advice
Small steps, big impact
When starting at the gym, you won’t notice changes overnight. But stick with it for a few months, and suddenly you're lifting heavier weights, running farther or simply feeling more confident. IP protection works similarly.
Just like tracking your gym progress, regular IP reviews help you understand and protect the value in your business. These could include checking your trade marks are still valid, ensuring competitors aren't copying your designs, or reviewing what innovations could be patented – these small, consistent actions could protect what you're building.
Starting is the hardest part
Whether it's putting on your gym kit on a cold January morning or filing your first trade mark application, taking that first step can be the toughest part. But once you start, momentum builds.
Make 2026 the year you protect what you've built
So, here's a New Year challenge: alongside those fitness goals, consider committing to understanding and protecting your IP Start with the basics – what makes your business unique? Is it your brand name? A distinctive design? An innovative process?
Just as nobody at the gym will be judging your first wobbly press-up, there's no "wrong" place to start with IP protection. The important thing is simply to start.
After all, you wouldn't build your fitness without protecting your health. Why build your business without protecting what makes it valuable?
Leave a comment