Intellectual Property

Question 1

Copyright

Answer 1

Protects original artistic, musical, literary and dramatic works that have been recorded in some form.

Question 2

Patents

Answer 2

Protect inventions ( including processes, devices and designs) that are novel and inventive , with an ascertainable use or application. Patents afford the holder exclusive rights over the patented subject matter.

Question 3

Trademarks

Answer 3

Protect signs and symbols ( such as logos and brands) capable of graphic representation that distinguish different goods. If a trademark had not been infringed, but overall impression of a product indicates it is a copy of a competitors product, this is know as ‘passing off’ and can still result in liability against the perpetrator.

Question 4

Geographical Indicators (GI):

Answer 4

names or signs that identify goods as originating in a specific geographical location, where a given quality, reputation, production method or other characteristic is essentially attributable to that origin.