What is Intellectual Property?

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<button class="btn ss-search" title="Search"></button> </form></div> </nav><div class="container"> <div class="wrap-outer"> <div class="wrap-inner"> <ul class="nav-breadcrumb"><li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/portal/en/">Home</a></li><li><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/">About IP</a></li> </ul> <div id="layout_container"><div> <div> <div class="dropdown nav__on-this-page"> <a class="dropdown-toggle" data-toggle="dropdown" href="#">On this page <strong class="caret"></strong></a> <ul class="dropdown-menu dropdown-menu--on-this-page"> <li><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/index.html#ip">Types of intellectual property</a> </li> <li><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/index.html#training">Training - from IP basics to specialist skills</a> </li> <li><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/index.html#awareness">Raising awareness of IP</a> </li> <li><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/index.html#ip_and">IP and...</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div></div> <div class="content"> <h1>What is Intellectual Property?</h1> <div class="main"> <div> <div> <p class="lead">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.</p> <span><p>IP is protected in law by, for example, <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/patents/en/">patents</a>, <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/">copyright</a> and <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/trademarks/en/">trademarks</a>, 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.</p> <h2>Publications</h2> <ul> <li>What is IP? <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/intproperty/450/wipo_pub_450.pdf" target="_self"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/images/icon/new/pdf.svg" alt="PDF, What is intellectual property?" border="0"/></a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/publications/en/details.jsp?id=4081">Understanding Copyright and Related Rights</a> ǀ <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/publications/en/details.jsp?id=4080">Understanding Industrial Property</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/iprm/" target="_self">WIPO Intellectual Property Handbook</a> - a comprehensive guide to the policy, law and use of IP.</li> </ul></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="complementary"> <div><div> <div class="media media--publications box"> <p class="featured">Featured</p> <div><figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/artificial_intelligence/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/about-ip/en/artificial_intelligence/images/getty_695586212_robotics_500.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES/MAXIMKOSTENKO)</figcaption> </figure></div><div class="media-body"> <h3><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/artificial_intelligence/">IP and artificial intelligence</a></h3> <p> <p>Find out how artificial intelligence can help radically improve IP services, from neural patent translation to AI trademark search and more.</p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div></div> </div> <div id="ip" class="content line"> <h2>Types of intellectual property</h2> <section class="cols cols--three"> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/i_000017499131_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(Photo: iStockphoto.com/professor25)</figcaption> </figure> <h2><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/">Copyright</a></h2> <span><p>Copyright is a legal term used to describe the rights that creators have over their literary and artistic works. Works covered by copyright range from books, music, paintings, sculpture and films, to computer programs, databases, advertisements, maps and technical drawings.</p></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/patents/en/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/wipo_flyingmachine_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(image: clipart.com)</figcaption> </figure> <h2><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/patents/en/">Patents</a></h2> <span><p>A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention. Generally speaking, a patent provides the patent owner with the right to decide how - or whether - the invention can be used by others. In exchange for this right, the patent owner makes technical information about the invention publicly available in the published patent document.</p></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/trademarks/en/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/wipo_tm_map_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(image: WIPO/Gen a)</figcaption> </figure> <h2><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/trademarks/en/">Trademarks</a></h2> <span><p>A trademark is a sign capable of distinguishing the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. Trademarks date back to ancient times when artisans used to put their signature or "mark" on their products.</p></span> </div> </div></div> </section></div> <div class="content"> <section class="cols cols--three"> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/designs/en/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/e_mihailstamati_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(image: courtesy of mihail stamati)</figcaption> </figure> <h2><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/designs/en/">Industrial designs</a></h2> <span><p>An industrial design constitutes the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of an article. A design may consist of three-dimensional features, such as the shape or surface of an article, or of two-dimensional features, such as patterns, lines or color.</p></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/geo_indications/en/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/i_000004990506_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(Photo: iStockphoto.com/mattjeacock)</figcaption> </figure> <h2><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/geo_indications/en/">Geographical indications</a></h2> <span><p>Geographical indications and appellations of origin are signs used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, a reputation or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that place of origin. Most commonly, a geographical indication includes the name of the place of origin of the goods.</p></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div></div></div> </section></div> <div id="training" class="content line"> <h2>Training - from IP basics to specialist skills</h2> <section class="cols cols--two"> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <span><p>WIPO runs workshops, seminars and training courses throughout the year, both in Geneva and worldwide.</p> <p>Year-round <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/dcea/en/roving_seminars/">roving seminars</a> help businesses, researchers, lawyers and innovators stay on top of latest developments in global IP services.</p></span> <p><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/meetings/en/topic_type.jsp?group_id=242"><button class="btn btn-info">Browse seminars and workshops</button></a></p> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <span><p>The <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/academy/en/"><strong>WIPO Academy</strong></a> offers distance learning and face-to-face courses. Choose from a rich portfolio of general and specialized courses on IP to improve your skills, whatever your level of knowledge or interest.</p> <p>Or explore the interactive <strong><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/sme/en/multimedia/" target="_self">IP PANORAMA</a></strong> e-tutorial.</p></span> </div> </div></div> </section></div> <div id="awareness" class="content line"> <h2>Raising awareness of IP</h2> <section class="cols cols--four"> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/ip-outreach/en/ipday/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/wipo_ipday_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(Photo: gettyimages/monsitj-BlackJack3D)</figcaption> </figure> <h2><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/ip-outreach/en/ipday/">World IP Day</a></h2> <span><p>On April 26 every year we celebrate World Intellectual Property Day to promote discussion of the role of IP in encouraging innovation and creativity. Find out how you can take part.</p></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/wipo_magazine/en/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/wipo_magazineteaser_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(Photo: WIPO)</figcaption> </figure> <h2><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/wipo_magazine/en/">WIPO Magazine</a></h2> <span><p>Subscribe for free to read stories, articles and interviews showing IP, innovation and creativity at work across the world. (Available in English, French and Spanish).</p></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/ip-outreach/en/tools/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/i_000006463452_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(Photo: iStockphoto.com/timsa)</figcaption> </figure> <h2><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/ip-outreach/en/tools/">Tools for public outreach</a></h2> <span><p>Our outreach tools are free resources to assist IP offices and organizations in planning and implementing public campaigns to build better understanding and use of IP.</p></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/ip-outreach/en/awards/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/f_wipo_6811467089_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(Photo: Conceptum)</figcaption> </figure> <h2><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/ip-outreach/en/awards/">WIPO awards</a></h2> <span><p>The awards program helps our member states foster a culture in which innovation and creativity are celebrated. All nominations are submitted through national IP offices.</p></span> </div> </div></div> </section></div> <div id="ip_and" class="content line"> <h2>IP and...</h2> <section class="cols cols--four"> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/artificial_intelligence/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/getty_864811702_500.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(Image: Getty Images/MF3d)</figcaption> </figure> <h3><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/artificial_intelligence/">Artificial intelligence</a></h3> <span><p>Find out how AI, big data analytics and new technologies such as blockchain can be used to address the growing challenges facing IP offices.</p></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/universities_research/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/about-ip/en/universities_research/images/wipo_ippolicies_500.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES/MAXIMKOSTENKO)</figcaption> </figure> <h3><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/about-ip/en/universities_research/">Universities</a></h3> <span><p>Universities and public research institutions are the factories of the knowledge economy. Discover how IP policies and knowledge transfer are critical to their work.</p></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/women-and-ip/en/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/g_469411830_premierwipday2018_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(Image: STOCKPHOTOASTUR (ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS)</figcaption> </figure> <h3><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/women-and-ip/en/">Gender equality</a></h3> <span><p>Men and women are equally as creative and innovative. Yet, women remain under-represented in many areas. Find out how WIPO works to tackle this issue.</p></span> </div> </div></div> <div class="col"> <div> <div> <figure> <a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/ip-sport/en/"><img src="/web/20180813111232im_/http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/shared/pics/i_000038713704_600.jpg" alt=""/></a> <figcaption class="credit">(PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ANDRESR)</figcaption> </figure> <h3><a href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/ip-sport/en/">Sport</a></h3> <span><p>IP lies at the heart of the huge commercial opportunities offered by the world of sport. Learn how IP rights are leveraged in sport and what impact their use has on the economy.</p></span> </div> </div></div> </section></div> </div>  </div> <div id="tools"><h4 class="d-hide t-hide">Tools</h4> <ul><li><a class="tools__link" href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/pressroom/en/">Media</a></li> <li><a class="tools__link" href="/web/20180813111232/http://www.wipo.int/meetings/en/">Meetings</a></li> <li><a class="tools__link" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111232/https://www3.wipo.int/contact/en/">Contact Us</a></li> <li><a class="tools__link" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180813111232/https://www3.wipo.int/myaccount/en/">My Account</a></li><li class="dropdown language-switcher"><label class="tools__link dropdown-toggle" for="dropdown__toggle" href="#"> English <strong class="caret"></strong></label> <input name="dropdown__toggle" id="dropdown__toggle" type="checkbox"><ul class="dropdown-menu"><li><a 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What is Intellectual Property?