Intellectual Property (IP) is a legal concept that provides exclusive rights to creators for their original work. Often associated with computers and digital technology, Intellectual Property includes trademarks, copyrights, and patents that protect and identify the rights of creators and the interests of their business.
Trademarks are the most common type of Intellectual Property associated with computers. They allow for recognition of a company or product by having a public representation, such as a name, logo, or design. This type of IP prevents other parties from using an identical or similar trademark.
Copyright protections are intended to protect individual works of authorship. Computer programs, websites, artwork, music, and film are examples of works of authorship that are protected under copyright law. Generally, copyright gives the creator exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute their work.
Finally, patents provide an exclusive, usually long-term, legal right for inventors. Patents protect inventions such as new software systems, devices, or processes typically associated with computers. This allows innovators to protect their hard work and exclusive rights to their inventions.
IP is an important legal concept for businesses involved in the computer and digital technology industry, as it allows for the protection of ideas, inventions, and works that can provide significant economic value.
