Intellectual Property (IP) is a term used to describe a variety of intangible assets or creations of the mind that are given legal protection. The three main objects of Intellectual Property are Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights. Here’s a brief explanation of each:
1. Patents
Patents are legal protections for inventions. A patent gives the owner the exclusive right to make, use, and sell the invention for a certain period of time, typically 20 years from the date of filing the patent application.
2. Trademarks
Trademarks are distinctive signs that are used to identify and distinguish the goods or services of one business from those of another. Trademarks can be in the form of words, logos, symbols, or a combination of these, and they are used to build brand recognition and goodwill. In general, a trademark registration provides protection for 10 years. However, trademark protection can be renewed indefinitely as long as the trademark owner continues to use the mark and pays the necessary renewal fees.
3. Industrial Design
Industrial Design is a creation of shape, configuration, or composition of lines or colors, or lines and colors, or a combination thereof in a three-dimensional or two-dimensional form which gives an aesthetic impression and can be realized in a three-dimensional or two-dimensional pattern and can be used to produce products, goods, industrial commodities or handicrafts.
4. Copyrights
Copyrights protect original works of authorship, such as books, music, art, and software. Copyright gives the owner the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display the work for a certain period of time, typically the life of the creator plus 70 years.
In addition to these three main objects, there are also other forms of Intellectual Property, such as Trade Secrets and Industrial Designs, which provide protection for confidential information and the aesthetic design of products, respectively.
Understanding the different categories of Intellectual Property can be crucial for protecting your intangible assets and creations of the mind. Patents provide protection for inventions or discoveries, Trademarks protect distinctive signs that identify and distinguish goods or services, and Copyrights safeguard original works of authorship. By understanding and utilizing these legal protections, individuals and businesses can ensure that their intellectual property is protected and secure. If you need more advice for protecting your IPs in Indonesia and other countries, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Sources:
- Law No. 13 of 2016 on Patents (Patent Law);
- Law No. 20 of 2016 on Trademarks and Geographical Indications (Trademark Law)
- Law No. 28 of 2014 on Copyrights (Copyright Law);
