6- Copyright and Fair Use

 

Protecting Your Intellectual Property

As a creative person I am always having new ideas for inventions or products or even content to post online, one of my biggest worries when it comes to sharing my ideas there is the little voice in the back of my head that says 'what if someone steals this idea?' Well there are ways to protect your Intellectual Property. 

What is 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. By striking the right balance between the interests of innovators and the wider public interest, the IP system aims to foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can flourish. wipo.int

Understand your Intellectual Property Rights 

There are different intellectual property rights that protect creations of the mind.

Patents- Protects inventions or discoveries, giving inventors exclusive rights to use, make and sell their inventions for a limited period of time. 

   

Popular patented technology and ideas: Apple iPhone Multi Touch Screen Technology, Tesla’s Electric Vehicle Technology, 3D printing technology. 

Copyrights- Protects original works of tangible works like music, art, and software. 

Popular copyrighted works: Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Game of Thrones TV show, Marvel Cinematic Universe film franchise, Thriller Michael Jackson Music Album. 

Trademarks- Protects symbols, names, and slogans that are used to distinguish a brand, product, or service. 

Popular trademark materials: Google’s logo and branding, Nike’s Swoosh, McDonald’s Golden Arches. 

Why is it Important to Protect Your Intellectual Property 

Protection rights ensure that people and businesses have legal protection against unauthorized use of their ideas and identities. Without these laws there would be little incentive to create, which would affect our overall economic growth and innovation in our country. These protections help creators to benefit financially from their ideas, if you don’t properly protect your ideas you run the risk of someone else profiting from your work. 

“Protecting intellectual property isn't just about safeguarding corporate profits; it's about maintaining technological leadership, fostering innovation, and ensuring national security.” Forbes.com

Ways to Protect Your Intellectual Property 

As a creative person it's important to understand the laws that can help you protect your ideas and intellectual property. So I hope this is a helpful resource for my fellow mass media and interactive media and marketing peers.