Guide

Intellectual Property (IP)

If you make it, you get to decide what happens with it. Intellectual property is about rights to creative work. It gives you control over what happens with your work.

"If you make it, you get to decide what happens with it."

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual property (IP) is about rights to creative work. In other words: what you create – whether it's music, text, images, design, film or fashion – cannot simply be copied, modified or sold. IP gives you control over what happens with your work.

It's your creativity. And therefore also your right.

The most important forms of IP for creatives

1. Copyright

What? Automatic protection of original creative works, such as photos, illustrations, music, texts, videos, etc.

How long? Up to 70 years after your death.

How do you get it? You don't need to apply – it arises automatically as soon as you create something.

Note: Copyright only applies to original, creative works – not to a simple text-only logo.

2. Licenses

What? You remain the owner of your work, but you give someone else the right to use it (under conditions).

You can determine:

How long (e.g., 1 year)
For what purpose (e.g., social media only)
How often (e.g., one-time print)

Make sure this is in black and white in a contract or order confirmation.

3. Transfer of rights

Some clients want 'everything': all rights. Be careful with this. Only if you truly give up 100% of your rights (via a signed agreement) may they do whatever they want with it – even without your name.

Alternative: Grant a broad license instead of giving away your rights.

4. Trademark law

What? Protection of a name, logo or slogan.

For whom? Especially useful for those building their own brand, collection or agency.

How do you get it? You must register a trademark via the Benelux trademark register.

5. Design rights

What? Protection of a design (e.g., a chair, garment or packaging).

Only valid if you register it in advance!

Why is IP so important?

You can earn money from licenses or reuse
You can take action against copies or plagiarism
You prevent confusion about who may do what with your work
You make yourself and your work more professional

Practical tip

Nina, illustrator:
"At first I thought: never mind, let the client use it. But now I put in every contract: 'Usage is limited to the agreed context, unless otherwise agreed.' That gives peace of mind and more income if they want to use it again."