The end of the year is a time when many creators and entrepreneurs take stock of their activities to date and plan their next steps. The pace of change in the online business and intellectual property sectors is exceptionally rapid: the importance of AI is growing, standards for advertising content are becoming stricter, and platforms are increasingly assertive in enforcing copyright protections. That is precisely why... It is worth sorting out key legal elements as early as 2025., so as to enter 2026 with complete peace of mind and a ready action strategy.
Below, I present 10 actions, which I recommend to creators, brands, and entrepreneurs operating online (and offline as well).
Why is it worth acting now? Intellectual Property in Online Business
The digital market shows no signs of slowing down—quite the opposite; it is accelerating. Creators are developing their own products, entrepreneurs are investing in personal brands, and AI is transforming the way content is created and distributed. In this landscape, the advantage goes to those who act deliberately and strategically, rather than leaving legal matters for the last minute—those who have a plan, not just dreams.
A lack of appropriate safeguards may result in, among other things:
- loss of rights to one's own materials,
- blocking the sale of digital products,
- problems with publishing AI-generated content,
- infringement of the copyrights of others,
- disputes with subcontractors,
- the risk of sanctions for the improper labeling of advertisements or data processing.
In business practice, this means one thing: Organizing intellectual property and procedures is not an unnecessary formality, but the foundation of lawful operation.
1. Intellectual property rights audit
The first step should be a review of all materials: e-books, online courses, graphics, videos, photos, and AI-generated content. It is worth determining whether you hold full rights to them or are operating under a license, and what the limitations of that license are.
A lack of control in this area often comes to light only during disputes or the commercialization of content—and can prove problematic and very costly.
2. Trademark registration
If you are developing your brand, planning a new product, or undergoing a rebranding, registering a trademark with the UPRP or EUIPO should be a top priority. It protects against copying, enables safe scaling of operations, and represents tangible business and corporate value.
3. Agreements with subcontractors and content creators
Collaborating with photographers, graphic designers, video editors, or virtual assistants requires precise contracts that specify, among other things:
– who owns the copyright,
– whether the materials may be used in advertising,
– whether the use of AI is permissible,
– what liability for violations looks like.
A lack of clear rules can lead to disputes, or even the need to withdraw materials from the web.
4. Internal AI policy
Given the growing importance of AI and the obligations arising from the AI Act, creators and brands should establish their own rules for using generative tools:
– how to create and archive prompts,
– what can be generated,
– how to label AI content,
– how to protect data.
This is particularly important when you have a team or work with subcontractors.
5. Protection of digital products
If you sell digital products—such as e-books, checklists, courses, or exclusive premium content—it is worth implementing protection mechanisms. This includes both appropriate licensing and monitoring for infringements.
6. Updating regulations and policies
Sales terms and conditions, privacy policies, and newsletter regulations—all these documents should comply with current legal requirements. The changes particularly affect digital products, consumer rights, and data protection.
7. Content review for IP infringements
If you use graphics, stock photos, fonts, or AI-generated elements created by others, it is worth verifying that you hold the appropriate rights to them. Social media platforms are becoming increasingly effective at detecting infringements, which can lead to account suspensions, a drop in reach, and financial losses.
8. Consents regarding image
If third parties—such as employees, clients, business partners, or influencers—appear in your materials, you must obtain their written consent. This also applies to consent for the use of their likeness in AI-modified content.
9. Procedures for reporting breaches
It is worth preparing a plan of action for cases of content theft—especially on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Spotify, etc. Ready-made templates speed up your response and increase effectiveness.
10. IP Strategy for 2026 – intellectual property in online business
The final step is to view intellectual property from a strategic and forward-looking perspective. It is worth considering which materials can be commercialized, which can be turned into new products, and which hold licensing potential. Indeed, intellectual property is increasingly the deciding factor in the competitive advantage enjoyed by creators and entrepreneurs.
Summary
Intellectual property is one of the most valuable assets for both brick-and-mortar and online businesses. Getting it in order during 2025 will allow you to enter 2026 with security, a competitive edge, and a solid growth plan.
If you would like to audit your content, protect your brand, organize your contracts, or prepare an AI usage policy, please feel free to contact me.
As a legal counsel based in Kraków, I support creators and entrepreneurs in establishing secure and transparent legal foundations for their operations.
Do you need to organize the intellectual property matters of your brand?
I help creators and entrepreneurs:
- conduct a content and copyright audit,
- prepare or verify subcontractor agreements,
- create an AI usage policy,
- register a trademark with the UPRP or EUIPO,
- secure digital products,
- prepare IP strategies for the coming year.
Do you want to act consciously in 2026? Intellectual property in online business.
I invite you to contact.
*Photo by Samantha Borges on Unsplash.
