What is intellectual property?
Intellectual property (IP) can allow you to own things you create in a similar way to owning physical property. You can control the use of your IP, and use it to gain reward. This encourages further innovation and creativity.
The four main types of IP are:
Copyright
Copyright protects material, such as literature, art, music, sound recordings, films and broadcasts.
Designs
Designs protect the visual appearance or eye appeal of products.
Patents
Patents protect the technical and functional aspects of products and processes.
Trade Marks
Trade Marks protect signs that can distinguish the goods and services of one trader from those of another.
However, IP also covers know-how (trade secrets), plant varieties, geographical indications, performers rights and so on.
Often, more than one type of IP may apply to the same creation.
