This article provides an overview of each type of intellectual property and discusses when and how they are used. Intellectual property is often the key asset of a biotechnology or pharmacology company. Therefore, it is essential to understand what intellectual property is, to know what the various types of intellectual property are, and to be able to determine the type intellectual property that is appropriate for specific needs.
Intellectual property is intangible property, that is property created by the mind.
Like tangible real or personal property, the law recognizes the right to own and to control intellectual property. These forms of intellectual property differ significantly in the rights they confer, how they are obtained, and how they are maintained. Copyrights Copyrights protect the original expression of an idea fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Examples of copyrightable works include novels, songs, sculptures, software codes, instruction manuals, paintings, and dramatic works. The owner of a copyright can exclude others from reproducing, adapting, publicly distributing, publicly displaying, or performing the copyrighted work.