Intellectual Property Law can be quite confusing at times. Copyrights, trademarks and patents all have a role in protecting your hard-earned content and knowing your role is half the battle.
Intellectual property itself refers to the creations of the mind, including things like: artistic works, literary works, inventions, names, images, symbols, and designs used in commerce. In other words, the intellect that is in the possession of an organization or an individual is considered intellectual property.
Intellectual property is divided into two categories, copyright and industrial property.
Copyright grants the authors of an exclusive work exclusive rights to that work for a limited time. Copyright covers literary and artistic works such as novels, poems, plays, movies, songs, and other musical works, artistic works (drawings, paintings, sculptures, and photographs), and architectural designs. Copyright, which must be renewed periodically, allows the creators of a work the opportunity to benefit from that work.
Industrial property includes patents, trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications of origin.
Patents give inventors of a new product a certain (limited) amount of time during which they can prevent others from making, selling, or using the invention without authorization.
A trademark is an intellectual property protection that is used to protect the distinctive features that distinguish one product from another. Those characteristics may include such things as: symbols, colors, marks, names, sounds, smells, shapes, and signs.
Fortunately, intellectual property laws benefit the creator of a property by rewarding that creator for their innovation and creativity. Furthermore, society as a whole benefits from intellectual property laws, in that these laws encourage creativity, allowing the rest of us to benefit from the wide range of products and services that are produced.
Any infringement of a trademark, patent or copyright could be grounds for an intellectual property claim. If you feel you have been victimized, it would be wise to consult a qualified attorney in your area. Find an attorney or law firm that specializes in intellectual property law. Know your rights and protect them accordingly.