What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual Property (IP) deals with the protection of originally-created works of the mind, which have both a moral and a commercial value. IP covers personal works such as original plays, novels, inventions, and even company identification marks.

Intellectual property laws were created to encourage individuals to continue producing things that may lead to creation of jobs, development of technology, efficiency of processes and protection of nature because they are assured that their works will be protected and that they can benefit from it.

In the Philippines, the intellectual property rights in the Philippines encompass laws on patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, and copyright.

Patents protect an invention from being re-made, resold, and reuse by others for a certain period of time. Inventors may not assume that their creation is patented unless they apply for and have their work patented. This process can be complex and time consuming. It is a good idea to hire an intellectual property lawyer in the Philippines to make sure you file the appropriate paperwork and get the patent you need to protect your invention and make it profitable.

Trademarks, service marks and trade names identify and protect names of goods, services or companies. These make it easy for consumers to distinguish competitors from each other. Trademarks are automatically assumed once a business begins using a certain mark to identify its company, and may use the symbol TM without filing their symbol or name with the government.

Copyrights protect and give owners exclusive rights to reproduce their work, publicly display or perform their work, and create derivative works. Owners also benefit financially from their work and prohibit others from doing so without their permission.

Intellectual property rights are well-observed in the Philippines. The Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines Republic Act No. 8293 governs intellectual property cases in the Philippines. When intellectual property rights are violated, it is important to hire an intellectual property lawyer.