Intellectual Property (IP) - Short Notes
1. Definition of Intellectual Property (IP):
- Refers to creations of the mind such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols,
names, and images used in commerce.
- Protected by laws like patents, copyright, and trademarks.
2. Importance and Scope:
- Balances the interests of innovators and the public to foster creativity and innovation.
- An umbrella term for intangible assets owned and legally protected to prevent unauthorized use.
3. Types of Intellectual Property:
- 3.1 Patents: Exclusive rights for inventions.
- 3.2 Copyright: Protects literary and artistic works (books, music, software, etc.).
- 3.3 Trademarks: Distinguishes goods/services of an enterprise.
- 3.4 Industrial Designs: Aesthetic aspects of articles.
- 3.5 Geographical Indications: Links goods to specific origins with unique attributes.
- 3.6 Trade Secrets: Confidential information with commercial value.
- 3.7 Plant Varieties: Protection for new plant breeds under the Plant Act, 2001 (India).
- 3.8 Layout Designs: Protection of Semiconductor Integrated Circuits (Act of 2000).
4. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR):
- Rights granted to creators for their creations.
- Protects against unauthorized commercial use.
5. Contemporary Developments in IP:
- Bio-patents, software copyrights, and plant diversity protection.
6. Data Protection:
- Privacy laws for collection, storage, and dissemination of personal data.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Intellectual property is defined as:
a) Tangible assets
b) Creations of the mind
c) Natural resources
d) Physical property
Answer: b
2. Which of the following is protected by copyright?
a) A new type of car engine
b) A painting by an artist
c) The brand name of a company
d) The recipe of a food item
Answer: b
3. The duration of copyright protection extends to:
a) 50 years after creation
b) 60 years after the creator's death
c) 10 years after registration
d) Lifetime of the creator
Answer: b
4. What does a trademark protect?
a) Inventions
b) Literary works
c) Signs, symbols, or names of enterprises
d) Designs of integrated circuits
Answer: c
5. Industrial designs protect:
a) The technical functionality of a product
b) Aesthetic aspects of an article
c) Confidential trade secrets
d) Plant breeding techniques
Answer: b
6. Which law protects layout designs of integrated circuits in India?
a) Copyright Act, 1957
b) Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout Design Act, 2000
c) Patent Act, 1970
d) Trade Marks Act, 1999
Answer: b
7. Geographical indications are used to:
a) Protect literary works
b) Link goods to their specific origins
c) Protect trade secrets
d) Grant patent rights
Answer: b
8. Trade secrets are protected by:
a) Copyright laws
b) Public disclosure
c) Confidential agreements and unfair competition laws
d) Patents
Answer: c
9. What is the primary purpose of intellectual property rights?
a) To protect tangible assets
b) To foster innovation and creativity
c) To ensure free access to ideas
d) To standardize manufacturing
Answer: b
10. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Act in India was enacted in:
a) 1999
b) 2000
c) 2001
d) 2002
Answer: c
