Intellectual property created by inventors is primarily protected by patents. Patents grant inventors exclusive rights to their inventions for a certain period, typically 20 years from the filing date, preventing others from making, using, selling, or distributing the patented invention without permission.
Here's a brief overview of other protections mentioned:
- Registered designs protect the visual design of objects, ensuring that the appearance is not copied.
- Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as literature, music, and art, but does not cover inventions.
- Geographical indications identify goods as originating from a specific place, ensuring that the quality or reputation is linked to that location, but they do not protect inventions.
- Trademarks protect symbols, names, and slogans used to identify goods or services, but again do not cover inventions themselves.
In summary, for inventions specifically, patents are the correct protection mechanism.
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