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Harnessing IP – Getting it right from the get-go; a workshop with Jessica Bent, Keystone Law

BCI Workshop

10th Jun 2026

9:30

-

11:00

S&W, EQ Building, 111 Victoria St, Bristol BS1 6AX

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>by Bristol Creative Industries

When you’re running a busy agency, or if you’re a freelancer getting engaged on projects, you might not be thinking about intellectual property. Many people don’t, but harnessing your intellectual property (IP) from the get-go is important for monetising it – and to steer clear of legal risks such as intellectual property breach or contract breach.

This session will look at how different IP rights come into existence, who owns them automatically, what rights to use might exist and how best to govern matters with contractual frameworks. It will look closely at using contractors and employees, with real life case studies, highlighting how lost opportunities can easily arise. IP collaborations will be un-picked, identifying what went wrong at the start, and how that can be put right.

In the context of ownership, the implications of AI will be discussed so you know how to deploy it to your best advantage.

What to expect:

This session will equip you with an understanding of what IP you might develop, whether in a business context or as a freelancer. With real life case studies, it will help you navigate what you need to do from the get-go to maximise the value of your IP assets, and avoid pitfalls.

We’ll look at:

  • When IP comes into existence
  • The different IP rights
  • Routes to IP protection
  • Employees v freelancers: the default position
  • Collaborations and supply arrangements: how best to manage IP ownership and transfer
  • AI: routes to best deploy it
  • What you need in your contracts to best harness your IP
  • IP strategy and audits: how they can help

Key take aways:

You’ll be able to spot your IP and that of others, work out how best to manage that situation so that you can better maximise and monetise the life blood of your business. As a freelancer, you’ll gain a better understanding of key IP rights and what you need to look out for when working with businesses.

Who should attend?

This session will be useful for any creative business to ensure they are aware of the intellectual property and legal issues when using freelancers, suppliers or collaborating with others. It will equally be useful for individuals that are freelancers in the creative industries.

About Jessica

Jessica is an intellectual property and technology specialist and Partner at Keystone Law. She deals with IP, technology and contracts for creative and tech businesses .

Jessica’s experience includes advising businesses on all types of IP and IT contracts such as rights agreements, licensing, R&D and collaborations as well as data protection issues.

Her expertise on IP matters includes brand management and trade mark registrations, copyright matters including clearance and advice on infringement, patents and know-how including R&D and collaboration agreements.

Jessica regularly delivers workshops and lectures to businesses and universities on IP and technology matters.

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About Bristol Creative Industries

Bristol Creative Industries is the membership network that supports the region's creative sector to learn, grow and connect, driven by the common belief that we can achieve more collectively than alone. 

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