The primary form of protection for the intellectual property created by artists is Copyright.
Copyright protects original works of authorship, including literature, music, visual arts, and other creative endeavors, giving artists exclusive rights to use, distribute, and reproduce their work. Other forms of intellectual property protection, such as trademarks, geographical indications, patents, and registered designs, serve different purposes and may not directly apply to artistic works in the same way.
For example:
- Trademarks protect brand names and logos used in commerce.
- Geographical indications protect products that originate from a specific place and possess qualities or a reputation due to that location.
- Patents protect inventions and processes for a limited period.
- Registered designs protect the visual design of objects.
In summary, copyright is the key protection for artistic works.