What is intellectual property?

Intellectual property refers to the legal rights associated with creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. It includes patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. These legal protections allow the creator to prevent others from using, distributing, or profiting from their intellectual property without permission or compensation. Intellectual property is essential in promoting innovation and creativity while also protecting the rights of creators.