They help companies reduce the level of repetition, minimise the risk of infringing others' rights, gain inspiration, solve technical problems and keep an eye on competitors' activities. Trade marks and design registration protect the owner from unfair competition e.g. through piracy. Trade marks are often the single most valuable tool a company will have, as they protect the goodwill and reputation of the firm and its products. A company may go to court to ensure that other companies do not pass off their goods and services as those of the company entitled to the reputation in the trade mark. Product design may be crucial for the market success or failure of the product regardless of its other attributes.
Many inventions occur by accident.
Ted Prosser, whilst decorating a house, fell off a plank, and dragged his fingers through a solution that he was working with. When he looked up he noticed a limed oak wood effect had been created on the wall. This led him to approach the Patent Office and he now has two patents, one for the paint process and one for the graining tool that is used. His invention is now the biggest selling woodcare product in the United Kingdom. The Patent Office is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of the national framework of intellectual property rights.