Digital IP in Jersey: Identifying and Protecting this Valuable Asset

Jersey’s digital maturity continues to rise, underlined by the ambitions of Digital Jersey, the independent organisation set up to represent the island’s digital industries. In its 2025 annual review, the organisation stressed the importance of an innovation-first mindset among businesses.

Meanwhile, the Government of Jersey has set a goal of adding 1,000 high-productivity digital sector jobs in 2025 alone. As Jersey moves to cement its position as a digital hub, the companies capitalising on the island’s favourable ecosystem must pay close attention to protecting their digital intellectual property (IP).

Today’s threat to digital IP

As more firms digitise their products and services, whether launching online platforms, pursuing data monetisation, or developing proprietary software, digital IP becomes one of their most valuable assets. Today, entire businesses are built upon their digital services, and as a result, the intellectual property they possess. IP is now a competitive differentiator, a source of revenue, and the foundation of an efficient, globally scalable business. However, its value makes IP a prime target for imitation and misuse, which is why protecting the asset is business critical.  

Exploring digital IP protection in Jersey

Jersey’s unique characteristics make digital IP protection especially important and in-demand for the businesses based there.

·       Innovation-focused regulation: Jersey is well regarded for the strength of its legal framework concerning trusts, foundations, and asset protection. This environment is well suited to digital IP safeguards, as assets can be held in the most suitable vehicle where they’ll be properly managed.

·       Reputation for high standards: Jersey has a global reputation for robust regulatory strength and financial integrity. As a result, the standards of IP protection are also generally high. This reputation for excellence also means your business can benefit financially and reputationally when its IP is protected locally, during valuation, sale, or licensing.

·       A global reach: Many digital-first businesses choose Jersey as a hub because of its tax-neutral, business-friendly environment and support of innovative companies. That’s why many online companies chooseJersey as a base to reach customers across borders, and seek digital IP protection from local providers who understand the nuances involved.

How to protect your digital IP

As a company that’s become faster, smarter, and more effective thanks to the advanced technology powering our services, Reckon understands well the importance of safeguarding digital IP. Calling on the help of a third-party specialist removes complexity from the process and makes sure your business is adequately protected. What does the process typically involve?

Define your IP assets

The first step is to define your company’sintellectual property assets through an IP audit. Many businesses aren’t awareof what exactly qualifies as digital IP, meaning valuable assets could be leftvulnerable.

Value your IP

Next, the IP is valued. Jersey has its own laws and regulations impacting IP valuation and enforcement, which is why firms would be wise to seek out a partner with the necessary legal knowledge. Both qualitative and quantitative methods can be used to provide a valuation, sometimes in combination. It’s crucial to effectively value your IP if your company is seeking investment, a joint venture, or is considering a sale or succession. Doing so makes sure your company’s valuation is fair and accurate.

Structuring your IP

With assets categorised and accurately valued, your adviser will draw up a plan for holding your digital IP. The goal here isto find the safest and most tax-efficient solution for your business and its goals. Your IP could be wrapped up in a trust structure, a special purpose vehicle (SPV), or as part of an estate plan. This is all about protecting your assets while preserving their long-term value.

The bottom line

Digital IP is becoming increasingly important to the modern business, not only for protecting its competitive strength, but also for generating revenue. The fact that many firms aren’t aware of the sum of their IP assets isn’t unusual given the complexity of understanding what exactly can be categorised as digital intellectual property today.

As a trusted partner for complete financial preparedness, Reckon is here to help. If you’re seeking a digital IP audit, are considering an acquisition or sale, or wish to strengthen a trust, our expertise in this specialism will guide you through.

‍

Want to know more? Start a conversation with us today.