🔬 Intellectual Property ⚙

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.

IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. By striking the right balance between the interests of innovators and the wider public interest, the IP system aims to foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can flourish.

Why does IP matter?

The progress and well-being of humanity depend on our capacity to come up with new ideas and creations. Technological progress requires the development and application of new inventions, while a vibrant culture will constantly seek new ways to express itself. Intellectual property rights are also vital. Inventors, artists, scientists and businesses put a lot of time, money, energy and thought into developing their innovations and creations. To encourage them to do that, they need the chance to make a fair return on their investment.

Different types and categories of IP

Patent

A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides, in general, a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem. To get a patent, technical information about the invention must be disclosed to the public in a patent application. By patenting an invention, the patent owner gets exclusive rights over it, meaning that he or she can stop anyone from using, making or selling the invention without permission. The patent lasts for a limited period of time, generally 20 years. In return, the patent owner has to disclose full details of the invention in the published patent documents. Once the period of protecttion has come to an end, the invention becomes off patent, meaning anyone is free to make, sell or use it. You can find more information about patents here.

Industrial design

Industrial design rights cover those elements of a product that are aesthetic or ornamental – the way it looks and feels. Industrial designs are applied to a wide variety of industrial products and handmade goods: cars, telephones, computers, packaging and containers, technical and medical instruments, watches, jewelry, electrical appliances, textile designs, and many other types of goods. You can find more information about industrial designs here.

Trademarks

A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. These days, trademarks are essential to business. They take many forms and identify a huge array of goods and services. Enterprises spend enormous amounts of time and money developing their brands and trademarks. Legal protection allows the owner of a mark to control who uses it. This means that enterprises can develop and promote tsheir goods and services without having their reputation undermined by counterfeiters, and consumers can rely on trademarks being genuine. You can find more information about trademarks here.

Geographical indications

A geographical indication is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. You can find more information about geographical indications here.

Copyright, or authors’ right, is a legal term used to describe the rights that creators have in their literary, artistic and scientific works. Copyright covers an enormous range of works – not just books, music, paintings, sculpture and films, but also computer programs, databases, advertisements, maps and technical drawinsgs, among other things. There are also rights related to the copyright of the creators that protect the interests of those closely associated with copyrighted works, including performers, broadcasters and producers of sound recordings.You can find more information about copyright here.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY