Creative expression, invention and ownership are more essential than ever. Understanding the purpose of IP rights helps to encourage good decision-making.

Without patents, reliable Covid-19 vaccines would have taken years to develop; without copyrights and trademarks, there would likely be no Spiderman, Beyonce or Air Jordans. More than 45 million jobs are supported by IP-intensive industries – 30% of all U.S. employment.

Intellectual property starts with ideas. Creations of the mind are produced by businesses of all sizes, as well as individuals.

Items that can be touched are property – a house, pair of shoes or smart phone.

‘Intellectual’ property, or IP, are creations of the mind – authored works like music, movies or books; designs; symbols or names, like Nike and Coca-Cola; inventions, like the processor that runs your smart phone.

IP rights encourage inventions and creative expression. They make it easier for businesses to share them.

Inventions are protected by patents if they meet the requirements of newness. One or more inventions can be used to create a product.

Names and symbols are covered by trademarks.

Creative expression, like songs, books, movies, recordings and performances are protected under copyright.

Most IP is published and available for the public to see. This allows businesses and individuals to identify what has already been protected and what is available for free or new.

A fourth less abundant right, trade secrets, is important to many businesses, but are not registered.

To provide fundamental knowledge about IP everyone can use. Media, financial and computer literacy are all taken seriously today. IP literacy must be, too.

While IP rights like copyrights, patents and trademarks may feel restrictive at times. In fact, they facilitate collaboration and investment, and create opportunities.

IPBasics.org audiences include consumers, entrepreneurs, educators, students, investors and creators. Lawyers and their clients also can benefit from the ability to explain how IP rights work and who they benefit.

Basic IP principles can be learned in a few minutes. The goal is to familiarize yourself. with examples of IP and the three major types of IP rights.

For those who want to know a little more, this site provides useful videos and links. If you have questions, go to Contact, Questions and fire away.