How many IPs do you have?

I have recently come across news articles, reporting several people saying that their companies have 3 IPs or 4 IPs, which they have commercialized or would like to commercialize. Upon further reading, I figured out that their companies have designed a number of characters, which may be made in the form of plush toys or other products. This very morning, I read another newspaper article saying that a certain individual is the IP of their company, whatever that may mean. Further similar reports may be seen in:

• https://www.wenweipo.com/a/202508/21/AP68a63403e4b0a29c28a722a6.html , or
• https://www.hkubs.hku.hk/tc/research/thought-leadership/opinions-and-speeches/from-labubu-to-chiikawa-the-sustainability-of-ip-economy/.

“IP” has lately been a hot topic because a certain line of collectible plush toys created by a Hong Kong illustrator has been so popular that it has significantly boosted the revenue of the company owning its “IP.” 

Not trying to be pedantic or picky, such wide (and very loose) use of the term “IP” may cause the general public to be confused as to what “IP” actually is.

Broadly stated, “IP” is the abbreviation for “intellectual property,” which encompasses a range of intangible property which could be of (immense) value to an enterprise or an individual. IP includes, for example, trade marks, patents, designs, copyright, technical knowhow, commercial secret, goodwill, etc. Depending on the laws in different jurisdictions, registered rights may be granted on some of these IP, but not on others, and some IP may be registered in some jurisdictions, but not in some other jurisdictions.

In any event, with the popular use of the term “IP,” the public would be more aware of the possibly significant value of intellectual property which they may one day happen to own. 

Back to the topic, How many IPs do you have? Have you thought about that, and has it ever crossed your mind to see to it that your IPs are well protected? If you would like to understand more about how IP can achieve your commercial objectives in Greater China, let’s get in touch.