Today I wish to briefly explain some common intellectual property laws, what they do, and how long the protection lasts. *This article is for educational purposes only, and IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE.
Copyright
Copyright is the right to copy and reproduce any protected original work.
The duration is generally the author’s life plus 50 years.
Trade-mark
Trade-marks distinguish the goods or services of one trader from those of another.
There is no specified duration for trade-marks. In theory they can last indefinitely, provided that they are continually in use.
Patent
Patent is a state-granted right to monopolize a new invention. Registration is required.
The duration is 20 years.
Trade Secret
Trade secrets are the confidential business or technical information that must be kept in secrete.
The duration is indefinite, provided that the information is kept confidential.
Industrial Design
Industrial design protects the shape, pattern or ornamentation of an object or article that is mass-produced. Registration is required.
The duration is 10 years.
Integrated Circuit Topography
ICT protects semi-conductor chip designs. Registration is required.
The duration is 10 years.
There you have it! Now you know what people are talking about at cocktail parties.
