Unlike real property, intellectual property is intangible. The legal mechanisms of patents, copyrights, trade secrets and trademarks are used to protect such intangible property. A basic understanding of these mechanisms is essential for anyone whose research may lead to a patentable invention, for research administrators who must deal with intellectual property issues, or anyone who has an interest in commercializing the fruits of University Research. I, Section 8 of the United States Constitution. Various analyses have shown that patents are an essential incentive for most inventors to push the envelope of creativity and bring their ideas to fruition for the benefit of the public.
Patents reward disclosure rather than secrecy.
They encourage investment in research and development as well as production and marketing of new products. This provides others with the ability to use that information to invent further, thus pushing technology forward for the benefit of society. Patents, however, do not give the inventors inherent rights to practice their intended inventions. Even inventors may be excluded by other patent holders from making, using or selling their own inventions if others' patents dominate in some way. Patents are territorial, and a U.S. patent has no force in other countries, just as a foreign patent has no force in this country.