Copyright, patent right and trademark

Intellectual property rights (IPR) protect creations of the mind. The three main types are:

Copyright (Copyright Act 2059)

Copyright protects the original expression of an author in literary, artistic, scientific and musical works, including computer programs, databases, drawings, plans, photographs and films. It arises automatically on creation; registration at the Copyright Registrar's Office is not compulsory but helps as proof.

• Rights: the author has economic rights (copying, publishing, selling, translating, adapting) and moral rights (the right to be named, and to object to distortion).
• Duration: generally the author's lifetime plus 50 years.
• Infringement (unauthorised copying, piracy) is punished with a fine and compensation. Ideas themselves are not protected, only their expression.

Patent right (Patent, Design and Trademark Act 2022)

A patent is an exclusive right given to the inventor of a new invention (product or process) that is novel, involves an inventive step and is industrially applicable. It is registered with the Department of Industry. The holder can stop others from making, using or selling the invention for a fixed period (7 years, renewable for two further terms of 7 years each as per the Act). In return, the invention is disclosed to the public. Example: a new method of water purification.

Trademark

A trademark is a sign, name, symbol, logo or mark that distinguishes the goods or services of one business from those of another. It is registered under the same 2022 Act; the owner has the exclusive right to use it and to stop imitation. Registration is for 7 years and can be renewed repeatedly, so protection can be long-lasting. Example: the logo of a company.

Together these protect creators, encourage innovation and give them a fair return.