Intellectual property rights

Every business owns some intellectual property: trademark, patent or something protected by copyright. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: inventions; literary and artistic works; and symbols, names and images used in commerce. These intangible assets add value to your business.

Intellectual property rights allow creators, or owners to benefit from their own work or investment in a creation. The promotion and protection of intellectual property stimulates economic growth and affects the development of your business.

Copyright laws grant authors, artists and other creators protection for their literary and artistic creations. They hold the exclusive right to use or authorize others to use the work. Copyright is an important component in the development of human creativity and innovation. By ensuring the existence of rights, individuals and companies can more easily invest in the creation, development and global distribution of their work.

Remember to protect what you own and make sure not to use what might be owned by others.