IP

Intellectual Property (IP) Law

A type of property that comes from products of mental effort, including copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets.

Patent Law

Grants exclusive rights to inventors for a new product or a new way of doing something, typically lasting 20 years from the filing date.

Copyright Law

Protects original literary and artistic works from the moment of creation, covering various forms such as books, articles, and music.

Trademark Law

Protects symbols, words, or marks that distinguish the goods and services of an enterprise, requiring registration for rights.

Geographic Indications

Signs used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or reputation due to that origin.

Trade Secret

Information that is not generally known and provides a business advantage, protected from disclosure.

Prior Art

Any evidence that an invention is already known before the filing date of a patent application.

Patent Infringement

Unauthorised use, sale, or distribution of a patented invention.

Novelty

The requirement that an invention must be new and not part of prior art to be patentable.

Copyright Infringement

Unauthorized use of a copyrighted work, which can lead to legal action and damages.

Duration of Copyright Protection

Typically lasts for the life of the author plus 50 years, varying by country.

Rights of Patent Holder

The rights belong to the inventor or their heirs; jointly held inventions are shared among inventors.

Best Practices for Patent Application

Include investigating prior art, registering promptly, stipulating ownership in contracts, and providing patent notices.

Damages in Copyright Infringement

In an infringement action, the court may grant damages for the unauthorized use of copyrighted work.

Confidentiality Agreement

A contract that ensures the secrecy of undisclosed information or trade secrets.

Industrial Design

The aesthetic aspect of a product, which can be protected as part of intellectual property law.