Introduction to IP

What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual Property generally refers to a set of rights that protect unique or original creations of the mind.  Although our raw intellect is best thought of as ideas, intellectual property  protects the expression of those ideas, not the ideas themselves.  Thus while the idea for a new type of battery is not protectable, the written details describing the design of the battery may be patentable.  Likewise the idea of using a bunny that "keeps going and going" to market the battery is not protectable, the actual use of the bunny and slogan in commerce to market the battery may be protected by trademark.

The theory behind  intellectual property rights is that certain creations of human intellect are valuable enough that they should be granted protective property rights similar to those that apply to physical property. IP rights provide creators of original works economic incentive to develop and share ideas through a form of temporary monopoly.   This incentive system is one of the keys to our information driven economy as it provides an incentive for innovation.

IP includes utilitarian and aesthetic expressions (utility and design patents), expressions of art (copyright), expressions which indicate source or origin (trademark), and expressions of valuable information not generally known (trade secrets).

Whether you are looking to learn more about the different forms of intellectual property, how to protect your ideas, or just a guide to IP you have found the place for you.