Information: The Basics

Last updated 20 Aug 2005

Intellectual property is the generic term for the laws that protect brands, designs,. technology and the arts.

The purpose of those laws is to encourage investment in branding, R & D and other creative, enterprising or innovative endeavour by granting monopolies and other exclusive rights on those who carry out such work as well as those who invest in it.

These rights can be very valuable so long as they are enforced.