Set up employment policies for your business

Patents and copyright

Having policies on patents and copyright can help to protect your business' interests.

Patent protection allows you to safeguard a new invention from misuse by others for a specified time and to make sure that, as an asset, its value is maximised. See our guide on how to get patent protection for your business.

Holding copyright can be another key issue for your business, as a way of protecting your original works from wrongful exploitation by others. See our guide on how to get copyright for your business.

Ideas themselves cannot be copyrighted. However, such confidential information can be safeguarded through confidentiality agreements, which allow you to share trade secrets with whom you choose. See our guide on non-disclosure agreements.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• What types of policies should I set up?
• Working time policies
• Patents and copyright
• Health and safety policies
• Disciplinary and conduct policies - harassment, bullying and disputes
• Company policies and facilities
• Training and performance management
• Pay, rewards and benefits
• Writing staff policies

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