Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988: Primary legislation governing copyright protection, moral rights, design rights, and rights in performances in the UK. Essential for determining ownership and protection of creative works produced during employment.

Patents Act 1977: Key legislation covering employee inventions, patent ownership rights, and provisions for compensation of employee inventions. Crucial for determining rights in technological innovations created during employment.

Trade Marks Act 1994: Legislation governing the protection and ownership of trade marks, including those developed or used by employees in the course of employment.

Employment Rights Act 1996: Foundational employment law that provides framework for employee rights, contractual terms, and ensures reasonableness of restrictions in employment contracts.

Trade Secrets Regulations 2018: Regulations implementing EU Trade Secrets Directive, protecting confidential information and trade secrets within the employment relationship.

Common Law Principles: Established legal principles covering confidential information, restraint of trade, and fiduciary duties that affect IP rights in employment relationships.

Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Legislative framework for processing personal data and protecting data rights, relevant when IP involves personal data processing or protection.

Computer Programs Regulations 1992: Specific regulations governing rights in computer-generated works and electronic rights, particularly relevant for software development in employment context.