Lecture Notes: Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

Lecture Notes: Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) I. Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Definition of Intellectual Property (IP) Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. Importance of IPR Protects innovation and creativity Encourages economic growth Fosters research and development Types of Intellectual Property Rights a. Copyright Protects literary and artistic works Examples: books, music, software b. Patents Protects inventions and processes Grants exclusive rights for a specified period c. Trademarks Protects distinctive signs that identify products/services Examples: logos, brand names d. Trade Secrets Protects confidential business information Examples: customer lists, manufacturing processes e. Industrial Designs Protects the visual design of objects Examples: product shapes, ornamentation II. Copyright Law Copyright Protection Automatic upon creation of original work Exclusive rights: reproduction, distribution, public performance, adaptation Fair Use Doctrine Allows limited use of copyrighted material for purposes like education, commentary, and news reporting Duration of Copyright Generally lasts for the author's lifetime plus 70 years Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) Protects against online copyright infringement Provides a framework for notice and takedown procedures III. Patent Law Patent Eligibility Must be novel, non-obvious, and useful Excludes laws of nature, abstract ideas, and natural phenomena Types of Patents a. Utility Patents Protects new and useful processes, machines, or compositions of matter b. Design Patents Protects the ornamental design of a functional item c. Plant Patents Protects a new and distinct plant variety Patent Application Process File with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Examination process Granting of exclusive rights IV. Trademark Law Trademark Registration Provides exclusive rights to use a mark in commerce Registered with the USPTO Trademark Infringement Unauthorized use of a registered trademark Likelihood of confusion test Trade Dress Protects the visual appearance of a product or packaging V. Trade Secrets Definition of Trade Secrets Information that derives independent economic value from not being generally known Protection of Trade Secrets Through confidentiality agreements and security measures Uniform Trade Secrets Act (UTSA) Model legislation adopted by many states to protect trade secrets VI. International Aspects of IPR WIPO - World Intellectual Property Organization Promotes international IP protection TRIPS Agreement - Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights Part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Sets international standards for IP protection VII. Enforcement of IPR Civil Remedies Lawsuits to stop infringement and seek damages Criminal Remedies Penalties for willful infringement Border Enforcement Customs agencies can seize infringing goods VIII. Emerging Issues in IPR Digital Piracy Challenges in protecting digital content Biotechnology and IPR Patenting of genetic sequences and biotech innovations Open Source and Creative Commons Alternative models for sharing intellectual property IX. Conclusion Balancing Innovation and Protection The ongoing debate over the scope and duration of IPR The Role of IPR in Society Encouraging innovation while safeguarding rights