Intellectual Property Act 2014

The Intellectual Property Act 2014 is a significant piece of legislation in the UK that consolidates and updates various aspects of intellectual property law. It aims to modernise and enhance the intellectual property framework in the UK, aligning it with international standards and addressing emerging challenges in the digital age.

Designs: The Act introduces changes to the law on designs, including provisions for the protection of innovative designs and the introduction of criminal penalties for intentional copying of registered designs. It also strengthens the rights of design owners and introduces measures to streamline design registration procedures.

Patents: The Act amends patent law to enhance the patent system in the UK. It introduces provisions to improve patent quality and streamline patent processes, including changes to the patent examination system and the introduction of opinions from the Intellectual Property Office on the validity and infringement of patents.

Copyright: The Act includes provisions to update copyright law and address digital copyright issues. It introduces exceptions to copyright for private copying, parody, quotation, and use of copyrighted works for educational purposes. The Act also extends the duration of copyright protection for certain types of works, such as artistic works in industrial production and sound recordings.

Orphan works: The Act introduces a framework for the use of orphan works, which are copyrighted works for which the copyright owner is unknown or cannot be located. It establishes procedures for obtaining licenses for the use of orphan works, subject to certain conditions and safeguards.

Collective licensing: The Act introduces provisions for collective licensing of copyright works, allowing for the licensing of works through a collective management organization on behalf of multiple rights holders. It aims to simplify the licensing process and ensure fair remuneration for rights holders.

Enforcement: The Act strengthens the enforcement of intellectual property rights. It introduces new measures to tackle online copyright infringement, including the power for rights holders to seek injunctions against internet service providers to block access to websites engaged in copyright infringement. The Act also includes provisions for the seizure and forfeiture of infringing goods.

Opinions and mediation: The Act establishes the Intellectual Property Office as a provider of opinions on matters of patent validity, infringement, and entitlement. It also promotes mediation as a means of resolving intellectual property disputes, encouraging parties to explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

The Intellectual Property Act 2014 reflects the UK's commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and the protection of intellectual property rights. It aims to create a balanced and efficient intellectual property system that supports economic growth, encourages investment in innovation, and facilitates the effective enforcement of intellectual property rights.
Back to blog
UOLLB SQE Turbocharge

UOLLB SQE Turbocharge

Get ready for the SQE1 with high-performance SQE Study Guides developed by UOLLB and published by UOL Press to revolutionise your study method and exam strategy.

Turbocharge SQE Performance

UOL Case Bank

Upon joining, you become a valuable UOL student and gain instant access to over 2,100 essential case summaries. UOL Case Bank is constantly expanding.
Speed up your revision with us now👇

Subscribe Now

Where are our students from?

Council of Europe
Crown Prosecution Service
Baker Mckenzie 
Yale University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
New York University
University of Michigan 
INSEAD
University of London
University College London (UCL)
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
Royal Holloway, University of London 
Birkbeck, University of London
SOAS, University of London
University of Manchester
University of Zurich
University of York
Brandeis University
University of Exeter
University of Sheffield
Boston University
University of Washington
University of Leeds
University of Law
University of Kent
University of Hull
Queen’s University Belfast
Toronto Metropolitan University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
University of Buckingham
ESSEC Business School

  • Criminal Practice

    Diagrams and Charts

    Our carefully designed diagrams and charts will guide you through complex legal issues.

  • Criminal Law

    Clear and Succinct Definitions

    Key concepts are concisely defined to help you understand legal topics quickly.

  • Property Law

    Statutory Provisions

    Statutory provisions are provided side by side with legal concepts to help you swiftly locate the relevant legislation.

  • Public Law

    Case Summaries

    We have summarised important cases for you so that you don't need to read long and boring cases.

  • Evidence

    Rules and Exceptions

    Rules and exceptions are clearly listed so that you know when a rule applies and when it doesn't.

  • Company Law

    Terminology

    Legal terms and key concepts are explained at the beginning of each chapter to help you learn efficiently.

  • Case Law

    Case law is provided side by side with legal concepts so that you know how legal principles and precedents were established.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Law Essay Guide

    You will learn essential law exam skills and essay writing techniques that are not taught in class.

  • Law Exam Guide

    Problem Question Guide

    We will show you how to answer problem questions step by step to achieve first-class results.

  • Conflict of Laws

    Structured Explanations

    Complex legal concepts are broken down into concise and digestible bullet point explanations.

  • Legal System and Method

    Legal Research

    You will learn legal research techniques with our study guide and become a proficient legal researcher.

  • Jurisprudence and Legal Theory

    Exam-focused

    All essential concepts, principles, and case law are included so that you can answer exam questions quickly.