Question
If a company develops a new technology that improves its main product, what type of intellectual property can they use to stop others from copying their invention?
Patents.
Registered designs.
Copyright.
Trademarks.
Geographical indications.
Patents.
Registered designs.
Copyright.
Trademarks.
Geographical indications.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
If a company develops a new technology that improves its main product, the most relevant type of intellectual property they can use to stop others from copying their invention is **patents**.
Patents give the holder the exclusive right to use, manufacture, and sell the invention for a certain period, typically 20 years, preventing others from making or selling the patented technology without permission.
Here's a brief overview of the other options mentioned:
- **Registered designs** protect the visual design of objects but do not cover the technology or functionality.
- **Copyright** protects original works of authorship (such as literature, music, and art) but does not typically apply to inventions or functional aspects of products.
- **Trademarks** protect symbols, names, and slogans used to identify goods or services but not the invention itself.
- **Geographical indications** are used to identify goods as originating from specific places, emphasizing qualities or reputation but do not cover inventions or technological improvements.
Therefore, for a new technology improving a product, patents are the most appropriate form of intellectual property to consider.
Patents give the holder the exclusive right to use, manufacture, and sell the invention for a certain period, typically 20 years, preventing others from making or selling the patented technology without permission.
Here's a brief overview of the other options mentioned:
- **Registered designs** protect the visual design of objects but do not cover the technology or functionality.
- **Copyright** protects original works of authorship (such as literature, music, and art) but does not typically apply to inventions or functional aspects of products.
- **Trademarks** protect symbols, names, and slogans used to identify goods or services but not the invention itself.
- **Geographical indications** are used to identify goods as originating from specific places, emphasizing qualities or reputation but do not cover inventions or technological improvements.
Therefore, for a new technology improving a product, patents are the most appropriate form of intellectual property to consider.