Intellectual property is any creation that has been made with the use of human intellect.
While some countries recognize more forms of intellectual property than others, the most common types include trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and copyrights.
There are many different types of intellectual property, and some are more protected than others.
Not every idea is considered intellectual property, but ideas that have a commercial value need to be protected to avoid copyright infringement and theft.
For example, when Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, he needed to protect his invention by registering a patent.
If it wasn't protected, other businessmen could have legally manufactured the telephone without penalty.
Intellectual property protection is the right to exploit an idea or create a product.
This protection extends to any work that is created by the copyright holder, including written essays, films, paintings, music or computer, mobile software.
The process of protecting an original work begins when it is created, and is enhanced by registering it with the local Copyright Office.
During the 19th century, intellectual property protection became an important issue in trade negotiations.
The International Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (or Paris Convention) was written in 1883 and offers protection for trademarks, industrial designs, and patents.
It has been signed by more than 100 countries and has been revised several times over the years to reflect changing intellectual property law.
In the USA, USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) is the Federal authority that issues Patents and register Trademarks.