Strategies for intellectual property protection in the third sector

Third sector organisations (TSOs) are often unaware of the importance of intellectual property (IP) protection. This is because TSOs are typically focused on their social objectives, rather than on commercial benefits. Additionally, TSOs have unique challenges in dealing with IP protection, such as a lack of time, a lack of funding and a lack of knowledge. This article takes a practicebased approach in considering, firstly, what is relevant, protectable IP in the third sector context; secondly, the unique challenges facing TSOs and why their IP may be under-managed; and thirdly, how TSOs can improve their IP protection. The article proposes that there is a need for TSOs to balance their diverse objectives in fostering and protecting partnerships and collaborations with an effective IP protection strategy.