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Property Rights Definition

When you think about intellectual property, “think” is the most descriptive term that suits what it means.

That’s right, when you think something and it is created, it is referred to as intellectual property — a creation of the mind. This would apply to inventions, images, symbols, designs, artistic works, literary works and even names used commercially; say for instance Nike Air Jordan shoes. What kid doesn’t want a pair of those?

To put this another way, think about protecting those conceptions of the mind and you are on the right track if you realize that those mind creations are actually property. Thus intellectual property rights are granted for handiworks of the mind. Those creations “belong” to someone and should not be infringed upon. Aside from the fact that the ideas and works should not be stolen, there is an underlying principle that recognizes people who create ought to be rewarded for their innovations, often financially, so they keep on creating.

Without confusing the issue too much, there are two types of intellectual property: copyright and industrial property. Industrial property lays claim to patents, industrial designs and trademarks. Trademarks are used to differentiate one product from another and that usually means using things like sounds, smells, signs, shapes, symbols, colors and brands.

Patents give the inventor a window of opportunity to stop others from creating, using or selling the inventions or creations without being authorized. On the other side of the coin, copyright applies to artwork like sketches, photos, sculptures and paintings, and literary works such as films, plays, books and poems. There are other areas covered as well, but for a full discussion of this area of law, it’s best to speak with a Sacramento business lawyer who has expertise in this area, as it’s a complex domain and sometimes understanding what is protected and why is a bit difficult to grasp.

Copyrights give authors the exclusive right to their works, but for a defined period of time. Again, discuss this with a Sacramento business lawyer who will also explain that copyrights must be renewed if the original creator wants the chance to promote their creation and derive financial benefit from it.

If you feel that your intellectual property rights have been violated, discuss your potential case with a Sacramento business lawyer to determine if you indeed have a case. Intellectual property rights cases tend to be complex and lengthy, but that is not to say they are cases that can’t be won.