Traditionally authors, the creators of intellectual property, are protected by a broad assortment of laws. There are laws protecting trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. Trademarks protect words, names, symbols, and logos normally used in commerce. Patents protect the rights of individuals who make discoveries or inventions. Trade secrets cover information, designs, and devices that companies wish to keep secret in order to retain commercial advantages from their creations.
Copyrights are another form of protecting intellectual property.
Copyrights protect authors of original works from damages caused by others who might improperly reproduce or use materials without their permission. In short, copyrights protect the expression of an idea and not the idea itself. Some form of copyright protection has existed as far back as Roman civilization. In Rome, authors were recognized only as creators of original manuscripts. These could be sold for a fee, but the author's rights did not extend beyond their possession of the original.