Intellectual property
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Intellectual property is property that is individually created and includes; inventions, literary and artistic work, designs, symbols and names and images used in commerce. Intellectual property protection includes copyright, patents, designs and trademarks. It is possible to legally protect:
- Product or brand names.
- Inventions.
- The design and look of a product.
- Things made, written or produced.
The official government body responsible for intellectual property rights in the UK is the Intellectual Property Office, which is an executive agency.
[edit] Ownership
Intellectual property is owned by an individual if it is:
- Created by the individual (and meets the requirements for copyright, patent or a design).
- The intellectual property rights were purchased by the individual from the creator or other owner.
- The individual has a brand that can be a trademark.
It is possible for intellectual property to:
[edit] Protection
By gaining intellectual property rights, it may be possible to take legal action against anyone who steals or copies the property. The exact protection afforded depends on what has been created.
It is possible to protect a single product with more than one type of protection.
[edit] Copyright
Copyright is a legal term that describes the rights creators have in relation to their literary and artistic work. Copyright protects:
- Books.
- Paintings.
- Films.
- Sculptures.
- Computer programs.
- Databases.
- Advertisements.
- Technical drawings.
- Maps.
[edit] Trademarks
A trademark is a unique register that can include:
There is a register of existing trademarks and a weekly journal that shows the latest accepted applications.
[edit] Patents
A patent is a right granted for an invention that prevents other people from making, selling or importing the invention. A database exists which lists worldwide patents.
[edit] Industrial designs
Design rights protect the shapes of objects, packaging, patterns, colours and decoration. It protects the design for 10 years after it was first sold or 15 years after it was created.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
HBPT and BEAMS Jubilees. Book review.
Does the first Labour budget deliver for the built environment?
What does the UK Budget mean for electrical contractors?
Mixed response as business pays, are there silver linings?
A brownfield housing boost for Liverpool
A 56 million investment from Homes England now approved.
Fostering a future-ready workforce through collaboration
Collaborative Futures: Competence, Capability and Capacity, published and available for download.
Considerate Constructors Scheme acquires Building A Safer Future
Acquisition defines a new era for safety in construction.
AT Awards evening 2024; the winners and finalists
Recognising professionals with outstanding achievements.
Reactions to the Autumn Budget announcement
And key elements of the quoted budget to rebuild Britain.
Chancellor of the Exchequer delivers Budget
Repairing, fixing, rebuilding, protecting and strengthening.
Expectation management in building design
Interest, management, occupant satisfaction and the performance gap.
Connecting conservation research and practice with IHBC
State of the art heritage research & practice and guidance.
Innovative Silica Safety Toolkit
Receives funding boost in memory of construction visionary.
Gentle density and the current context of planning changes
How should designers deliver it now as it appears in NPPF.
Sustainable Futures. Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living
More speakers confirmed for BSRIA Briefing 2024.
Making the most of urban land: Brownfield Passports
Policy paper in brief with industry responses welcomed.
The boundaries and networks of the Magonsæte.