What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names, and images used in commerce.
Understanding IP when starting a business is essential for protecting your innovations, building a strong brand, attracting investment, and fostering growth. It helps you navigate legal complexities, avoid potential risks, and strategically leverage your IP assets for long-term success.
- Inventor-owned Intellectual Property at the University of AlbertaLearn more about Intellectual Property (IP) and how the University of Alberta supports inventors in commercializing their research results.
- Discover Intellectual Property Tutorial (CIPO)A learning module from the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. Discover the concept of intellectual property (IP) and explore the various IP rights that can help transform an idea into a thriving business by distinguishing you from competitors.
- Plan your Intellectual Property Strategy (CIPO)This guide provides considerations based on your business objectives that will put you on the path to developing a detailed intellectual property (IP) strategy that you can integrate into your business plan.
Types of Intellectual Property
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Patents protect inventions and grant the inventor exclusive rights to use, make, and sell the invention for a specified period, typically 20 years. |
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Trademarks protect symbols, names, and slogans used to identify goods and services. A trademark distinguishes the products or services of one entity from those of others in the marketplace. |
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Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as literary, musical, and artistic works. Copyright gives the creator exclusive rights to use, distribute, and display their work, typically for the life of the author plus 70 years. |
