Intellectual Property (IP)

Intellectual Property refers to the legal rights that protect creations of the mind, including inventions, trademarks, industrial designs, literary and artistic works, trade secrets, and other intangible assets. Intellectual property systems are designed to encourage innovation, creativity, investment, and fair competition by granting creators and rights holders exclusive legal protections for a limited period.

The main categories of intellectual property include patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights, geographical indications, plant breeders’ rights, and trade secrets. Each category protects different forms of intellectual or commercial value and is governed by specific legal frameworks and registration systems.

International organizations such as the World Intellectual Property Organization coordinate global intellectual property treaties and cooperation mechanisms, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the Madrid Protocol, and the Hague System.

Intellectual property plays a critical role in technology, commerce, branding, culture, research, and international trade by helping individuals and businesses protect and commercialize their innovations and creative assets.

Resource: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/about-ip