What can I do if my employer has retained property I have created? ================================================================== Legislation in England and Wales usually favours employers where there is a doubt as to whether an employee or their employer owns IP rights for the employees work. There are multiple statutory provisions which automatically give an employer the ownership of patents, copyright, database rights, unregistered designs and registered designs for works created by their employees in certain circumstances. If you are a consultant however, the rights to the product of the consultancy work will belong to you as the consultant unless there is an express contractual agreement to the contrary. The first place to check is always the document granting the patent or registering the design or domain name, as this will set out who the owner of the right is. An application to register a patent or design or trademark can be opposed or challenged where the employer or employee feels that the application has been incorrectly made or made in bad faith. The team at Vardags can advise you on whether as an employer or as an employee you have ownership of the rights to the property created in the course of business. If you have an arguable case that property you have created is owned by you, we will advise you on the initial steps you can take to protect your rights over that property right up to trial strategy if required, and will develop a strategy with you to try and resolve the dispute as quickly and cost effectively as possible. About Us -------- Ayesha VardagFounder & President "ROLLS ROYCE SERVICE FROM START TO FINISH" Vardags offer a unique approach to the law, specially tailored to the needs of HNW individuals. Our lawyers come from the very best universities and receive the very best training - they are determined, diligent, and dedicated to getting the best outcome... [read more](https://vardags.com/about-us) [BOOK FREE CONSULTATION](https://vardags.com/contact) What our clients say -------------------- Thanks to Emma and the team for the outstanding handling of my case. Throughout the months of my ongoing case I was kept informed and updated at all times never left wondering what was happening or where I stood. From meeting... Emma I felt instantly that my case was in good (understatement) hands, she has a friendly personal approach as well as so much expertise in the handling of family law cases. I feel so grateful to have had Emma and her team handle my case and for the outcome! Thank you! Emily Calvin I hope you don't need it, but if you do, I would highly recommend Vardags. Xiao Ma Vardags takes care to match the client to the solicitor. Within 2 months, Vardags got me everything I needed. I would not have the future I now have in front of me if it wasn't for Vardags. N Beresford-Tomlin I found myself in a position that I quite simply never dreamt I would be in in a million years. I went to Vardags, initially for advice. All my options were laid out in a very professional yet personal way. We decided to go down... a particular route and as my situation changed , so did the route that Vardags recommended. I had never felt so vulnerable in all my life and so it was very comforting to feel supported at all times. Anya Atkins Throughout my time using Vardags I felt that I have always been in the best possible hands. I enjoyed an excellent level of service and received accurate and precise legal advice. The lawyers are hugely talented, sensitive and... focused on getting the very best results. Their no-nonsense and direct approach is most valuable when time and costs are of the essence. I highly recommend them over and above any other law firm I have ever dealt with. Thank you Vardags. Valerie Knowledgeable, respectful and empathetic service and team. Michelle Ravden OFFICES ------- [London](https://vardags.com/office/london "London") 020 7404 9390 [Cambridge](https://vardags.com/locations-we-serve/cambridge "Cambridge") 01223 855751 [Manchester](https://vardags.com/locations-we-serve/manchester "Manchester") 0161 464 4657 International 020 7404 9390 [Milan](https://vardags.com/it-it/copertura-territoriale/milano "Milan") +390282954578 [Florence](https://vardags.com/it-it/copertura-territoriale/firenze "Florence") +390282954578