An Introduction to Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property is a subject of recent origin.

We own houses, jewels, shares, money in the form of cash, etc. These are the things we know as 'properties'. These are tangible assets. We enjoy them as we own them. Unless and until we offer them to somebody else, these things which we own cannot be taken away and enjoyed by others. 

Intellectual property, on the other hand, refers to the ownership of intangible and nonphysical goods. It results from the expression of an idea. It is the property of your mind or a proprietary knowledge. Since it is the property of your mind, the moment it is divulged, the benefits arising from these ideas can be enjoyed by others. The concept of intellectual property, therefore, provides that certain products of human intellect should be given the same protective rights that apply to physical properties. This is known as intellectual property rights. It refers to the ownership of intangible and nonphysical goods. It includes copyright, related rights, patents, trademarks, industrial design, and geographical indications.

Since intellectual properties are intangible, it is more difficult to protect them than other types of properties. Intellectual property rights (IPR) helps to encourage and protect inventors and creators by giving them exclusive rights over their work for a set period of time. This book gives a brief introduction to the concept of intellectual property rights(IPR) and the various components of IPR. It will be a useful book to the student community as well as the public at large.