What is Intellectual Property
What is intellectual property? Intellectual property, also sometimes referred to as IP, is essentially
creations of the mind. These creations can be either artistic or commercial and fall into one of two intellectual
property categories: industrial or copyright. Commercial creations are typically considered industrial property and
include things such as patents and trademarks. Artistic creations fall under the copyright category and include
literary works, musical works, artistic works, and architectural designs. The main purpose of intellectual property
is to give the creator certain rights over his or her creation. Other purposes of intellectual property include
promoting creativity, incorporation of ideas into tangible objects or results, encouraging fair trade, and
furthering creative contributions to social and economic development.
Inventions that provide fresh solutions to existing technical problems fall into the category of industrial
property. These solutions can simply be ideas that have not yet been tangibly produced. Inventors may protect his
or her idea by obtaining a patent. By doing so the inventor obtains exclusive rights to make, use, or sell his or
her invention. Copyright protects forms of expression and prevents others from using these expressions without the
authorization of the creator. "Forms of expression" can be defined as the way in which the creative work's words,
notes, colors, or shapes are arranged. In other words, forms of expression are an original creation of the author.
Even translations and adaptations are protected by copyright.
What is intellectual property? Books, lectures, photographic works, cinematographic works, maps,
anthologies, inventions, scientific discoveries, commercial names, industrial designs, and trademarks are all
examples of intellectual property. Protecting intellectual property is important, and inventors should make sure
that they take the appropriate steps to protect their innovative ideas or original works of art. Intellectual
property law attorneys can provide assistance to those seeking to obtain a patent or copyright for their creations.
If creators fail to secure industrial property rights or copyright protection his or her idea or invention remains
unprotected and can be legally infringed upon by others. Intellectual property law attorneys will provide expert
legal guidance and counsel and ensure that the creator obtains the intellectual property protection they need.
Last Modified: 03 February 2010
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