About Intellectual Property

• Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.
• IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. 

Types of Intellectual Property:

1. Patents:

• A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention. Generally speaking, a patent provides the patent owner with the right to decide how – or whether – the invention can be used by others. 
• In exchange for this right, the patent owner makes technical information about the invention publicly available in the published patent document.

2. Copyright:

• Copyright is a legal term used to describe the rights that creators have over their literary and artistic works. 
• Works covered by copyright range from books, music, paintings, sculpture and films, to computer programs, databases, advertisements, maps and technical drawings.

3. Trademarks:

• A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. 

4. Industrial Designs:

• An industrial design constitutes the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of an article. 
• A design may consist of three-dimensional features, such as the shape or surface of an article, or of two-dimensional features, such as patterns, lines or color.

5. Geographical Indications:

• Geographical indications are signs used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, a reputation or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that place of origin. 

6. Trade Secrets:

• Trade secrets are IP rights on confidential information which may be sold or licensed. 

Why in News?

• The Cell for IPR Promotion & Management under DPIIT has conducted over 1,300 programs, including awareness sessions, workshops, and training, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of IPR, and how to combat counterfeiting / piracy prevalent on both offline and online platforms.

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