What are the Basics of Intellectual Property Law?

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) defines intellectual property as “creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce” and divides intellectual property into two main categories: (1) industrial property (inventions, patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and geographical indications of source); and (2) copyrights (literary and artistic works such as novels, poems and plays, films, musical works, artistic works such as drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures, and architectural designs).

Intellectual property is all around us – at work, at play, and at home. Yet, the role of intellectual property in a broad range of areas, ranging from health care to nearly all aspects of science, technology, literature, the arts, and even the Internet, is still emerging. The various forms of intellectual property offer different protections under patent, trademark, trade dress, trade secret, copyright, and other related laws.

Intellectual property is generally an exclusive bundle of rights owned by the holder of such property. The holder or owner of the intellectual property may grant an exclusive (or non-exclusive) license to use the property, but almost invariably the owner will elect to impose certain restrictions on such use. For example, the license could restrict the territory in which the intellectual property is exercised, quality and quantity controls, duration of the licensing rights, and impose a royalty schedule.

Different Types of Intellectual Property

Although copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets are all intellectual property, each offer different protections and are distinct from one another. A copyright protects original works of authorship, while a patent protects inventions or discoveries. A trademark, on the other hand, protects words, phrases, symbols, or designs identifying the source of the goods or services of one party and distinguishing them from those of others. A trade secret is any formula, process, design, or compilation of information which is not generally ascertainable, by which a company can obtain an economic advantage over competitors or customers.

Intellectual Property Audits

Companies can identify, assess, and protect their intellectual property through regular IP audits, due diligence investigations, or competitive analysis programs during, for example, the development phase of a product and after the product or service is in the marketplace. Advice of intellectual property counsel is prudent when assessing a company’s intellectual property portfolio and seeking adequate protection.

For additional information on the basics of Intellectual Property see our posts on Trademarks Basics, Copyrights Basics, Patent Basics, and Trade Secrets Basics.

Services Typically Provided by an Intellectual Property Lawyer

In addition to copyright registration and protection, an intellectual property lawyer will often advise clients regarding the following issues:

You can find additional information in our patents, trademarks, and copyright overview pages.

See our Legal FAQs page for the answers to more intellectual property law questions.

Klemchuk PLLC is a leading intellectual property law firm focusing on litigation, anti-counterfeiting, trademarks, patents, and business law. We help clients protect innovation and increase market share through investments in IP.

This article has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended and should not be construed to constitute legal advice. Please consult your attorneys in connection with any fact-specific situation under federal law and the applicable state or local laws that may impose additional obligations on you and your company. © 2023 Klemchuk PLLC