A Group Legal Policy (GLP) for IP Management is the definitive framework that governs how intellectual property is identified, protected, and leveraged across the organisation. It is not a mere guideline - it is a strategic instrument that aligns legal oversight with business objectives, ensuring that IP assets are treated as critical corporate resources rather than incidental by-products.

This policy sets out the principles, processes, and responsibilities for managing all forms of IP - patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs, and trade secrets. It provides clarity on ownership, protection, and enforcement, while embedding IP considerations into product development, branding, and commercialisation strategies.

Without a GLP for IP, legal teams operate reactively, firefighting disputes and scrambling to secure rights post-creation. A well-drafted policy transforms this dynamic, positioning legal as a proactive guardian and enabler of innovation. It ensures that IP governance is not siloed but integrated into the organisation’s operational DNA.

In short, the GLP for IP Management is the legal department’s declaration of intent: to protect, optimise, and monetise intellectual property in a way that supports growth, mitigates risk, and enhances corporate valuation.

The scope of a GLP for IP Management typically includes:

◼️Asset Identification: Define processes for cataloguing all IP assets across departments.

◼️Ownership Rules: Establish clear assignment protocols for employees, contractors, and partners.

◼️Protection Standards: Set minimum requirements for registrations, renewals, and confidentiality measures.

◼️Compliance Framework: Ensure adherence to IP laws and contractual obligations globally.

◼️Risk Management: Outline procedures for infringement monitoring and dispute resolution.

◼️Commercialisation Policy: Govern licensing, sale, and strategic partnerships involving IP.

◼️Audit Mandate: Require regular IP audits to maintain visibility and accuracy.

◼️Technology Integration: Specify approved IP management tools and data security standards.

Understanding IP categories is essential for policy design:

◼️Patent: Exclusive rights for inventions.

◼️Trademark: Protection for brand identifiers.

◼️Copyright: Rights over creative works.

◼️Design Rights: Safeguard product aesthetics.

◼️Trade Secret: Confidential business know-how.

PAA: What is the difference between IP governance and IP management?

Governance sets the rules and accountability; management executes those rules operationally.

In GLS legal ops speak – the Group Legal Policy is considered a “Foundational” resource within the process ecosystem of an in-house legal team.

The Foundational Resource: Is responsible for determining the overall performance capabilities of a “critical” legal function. If it is not optimised, the function can never be optimised. 

The best practice features of the GLP are as follows:

◼️Comprehensive Coverage: Address all IP types and lifecycle stages.

◼️Clear Ownership Protocols: Embed assignment clauses in all contracts.

◼️Integrated Compliance: Link IP governance with broader legal and regulatory frameworks.

◼️Regular Audits: Mandate annual reviews of IP portfolios.

◼️Centralised Register: Maintain a secure, accessible IP database.

◼️Strategic Alignment: Ensure IP policy supports business growth objectives.

◼️Technology Enablement: Leverage IP management software for efficiency.

◼️Training & Awareness: Educate stakeholders on IP obligations and opportunities.

The GLP for IP Management delivers the following value to the Business:

◼️Risk Mitigation: Reduces exposure to infringement and ownership disputes.

◼️Value Protection: Prevents loss of rights through missed filings or weak contracts.

◼️Monetisation Opportunities: Enables licensing and partnerships with confidence.

◼️Investor Assurance: Demonstrates robust IP governance during due diligence.

◼️Operational Efficiency: Streamlines product launches and branding initiatives.

◼️Strategic Advantage: Positions IP as a driver of competitive differentiation.

PAA: How does an IP policy impact M&A transactions?

A documented IP policy enhances deal certainty and valuation by proving asset control.

For the legal team, the GLP for IP Management delivers:

◼️Governance Clarity: Defines roles and responsibilities for IP oversight.

◼️Process Efficiency: Reduces administrative burden through standardisation.

◼️Risk Control: Minimises litigation exposure and contractual breaches.

◼️Knowledge Leadership: Builds internal expertise in IP strategy and enforcement.

◼️Proactive Positioning: Moves legal from reactive to strategic contributor.

The GLP for IP Management is essential for:

◼️General Counsel: To set strategic direction for IP governance.

◼️Legal Operations Teams: To implement and monitor compliance.

◼️Business Unit Leaders: To integrate IP considerations into innovation pipelines.

◼️Compliance Officers: To ensure adherence to laws and contracts.

◼️Executive Leadership: To leverage IP for growth and valuation.

A legal team operating without a GLP for IP Management will face a wide range of inefficiencies including:

◼️Missed Deadlines: Loss of rights due to late filings.

◼️Ownership Confusion: Disputes over employee or contractor-generated IP.

◼️Commercial Delays: Licensing deals stalled by unclear IP status.

◼️Costly Litigation: Increased risk of infringement claims.

◼️Brand Erosion: Unprotected trademarks weakening market position.

◼️Valuation Impact: Lower investor confidence and reduced deal-making potential.

Technology is a cornerstone of modern IP governance:

◼️Portfolio Management Tools: Automate tracking of filings and renewals.

◼️Monitoring Systems: AI-driven alerts for infringement and competitor activity.

◼️Data Analytics: Insights into IP performance and monetisation potential.

◼️Integration: Link IP systems with contract and compliance platforms.

PAA: Is IP management software mandatory for legal teams?

Yes, it enhances visibility, reduces manual errors, and supports proactive enforcement.

1. Why should the Board approve your GLP?

Because IP governance impacts corporate risk and valuation-Board oversight ensures alignment.

2. How often should IP policies be reviewed?

Annually or after major organisational changes.

3. Can a GLP prevent IP theft?

It reduces risk by enforcing confidentiality and monitoring protocols.

4. What is the link between IP policy and innovation?

A strong policy encourages innovation by guaranteeing protection and monetisation.

5. Should IP governance be global or local?

Global principles with local compliance adaptations.

6. Does an IP policy cover open-source software?

Yes, it should define usage and compliance obligations.

7. What happens if IP governance is ignored?

Loss of rights, litigation exposure, and diminished corporate value.

8. Can IP policy accelerate product launches?

Yes, by ensuring protection measures are embedded in development cycles.

9. Is training part of IP governance?

Absolutely-awareness is critical for compliance and capture.

10. How does IP governance affect brand strategy?

It secures trademarks and prevents dilution, strengthening market position.