What rights do I have as an author or creator of original works under Intellectual Property laws?
By
Intellectual Property Rights
As an author or creator of original works, you have several rights under intellectual property laws. The primary rights are copyright, trademark, and patent rights.
Copyright
Copyright law protects your original works of authorship, including books, articles, music, paintings, and photographs. Copyright protection extends to original works that are fixed in a tangible medium of expression, such as digital or print copies. You have the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display your original work publicly. Copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years.
Trademark
Trademark law protects your brand name, logo, slogan, and any other symbols that identify your business or products. You have the exclusive right to use and license your trademark, and to prevent others from using it without your permission. A registered trademark lasts for 10 years, but can be renewed for additional 10-year periods.
Patent
Patent law protects your inventions, processes, and designs. You have the exclusive right to make, use, and sell your invention for a period of 20 years from the date of application. Patents are granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and require substantial documentation and legal assistance.
However, there are some limitations and exceptions to these rights. For example, fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without the author's consent, such as for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. Some inventions, such as laws of nature, are not patentable. And trademarks may become generic if they are widely used and become the common term for a product or service category.
If you want to protect your intellectual property, you should consider registering your copyright, trademark, or patent with the appropriate government agency. You should also monitor the use of your intellectual property and take legal action if you discover infringement or unauthorized use. Finally, you should consult with an experienced intellectual property attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and enforced in a manner that is consistent with the relevant laws and precedents.
