Many people get confused between intellectual property rights, such as copyright, on the one hand, and ideas and concepts on the other. Copyright will automatically exist in all literary, artistic, musical and dramatic works. So, for example, any original designs, drawings and illustrations you present on a pitch will be protected by copyright. However, copyright does not protect ideas or concepts (or, usually, strap lines) and you will need to protect these as your agency’s confidential information. Take these 4 simple steps to help protect your agency's work.
Step 1
Enter into a Pre-pitch NDA with the client. It’s a mutual agreement which means that both parties undertake not to disclose any of the other’s confidential information. Importantly, it makes it clear that the agency’s pitch materials are confidential, belong to the agency and cannot be used unless the agency wins the pitch and a future services agreement is entered into with the client.
This is one of the best steps an agency can take to legally protect its pitch materials.
Step 2
Date all material produced and keep a record of who produced it. Conserve all working drafts.
Step 3
Include a clear notice on all pitch work such as:
“This document and its contents, including all concepts and ideas, are owned by [Agency Name] and are confidential. They may not be used, copied, disclosed or implemented, in whole or in part, without our prior written consent. © [Agency Name] [Year]. All rights reserved.”
Step 4
Consider registering the pitch work online with the IPA Pitch Protection Scheme. Although doing so does not give your agency any rights, it can be helpful evidence to help you show when you created the work and registered it with us if there is a future dispute with a potential client. To register a pitch you will need to upload your pitch (PDF) and the following details:
- Pitch title
- Client
- Product
- Producer(s)/Contributor(s)
- Key concept
All registrations receive an 'IPA certificate of registration' which can be attached to the work submitted on a pitch.
For more information see The IPA Good Pitch
Last updated 18 May 2026