4 Types of Intellectual Property

There are 4 types of intellectual property that you, as a business owner, need to be aware of.

What is Intellectual Property

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.

IP is your creative currency. It includes your business name, slogan, the unique color you created to distinguish your business, the images you capture or create, a process, and much more.

Protection of your IP is how you secure your creative currency and start to harness the value of such assets. Our government offers rights to the people who create and express themselves in unique ways by allowing individuals and businesses to protect their IP.

Types of Intellectual Property

The four types of IP are:

1. Trademarks

2. Copyright

3. Trade Secrets

4. Patents

Trademarks

A trademark is a source identifier. It communicates to the consuming public the source of the goods and/or services provided. A trademark can be words, phrases, symbols, designs or any unique combination that identifies and distinguishes the source of the goods and services. A trademark includes:

• Business Name

• Logo

• Slogan

• Unique Fabric Pattern

• Unique Product Design

• Unique Store Appearance

• Font

• and more

Copyright

A copyright gives the creator of an original work exclusive rights to print, publish, perform, film or record literary, artistic or musical material and provides the creator with the authorization to determine if it may be used by others (licensing).

To be a protected work, the work needs to be original to the author and fixed in a tangible form of expression. It doesn’t have to be a totally new concept; however, it must have some form of original creativity. You can protect the following via copyright registration:

• Books

• eBooks

• Online Courses

• Newspaper Articles

• Bl