Legally protected creations of the mind can include inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce. Examples range from a patented technological innovation to the copyright on a novel or the trademark protecting a company’s logo. These intangible assets are legally protected to incentivize innovation and creativity.
Protecting these assets fosters economic growth by encouraging investment in research and development. It allows creators and innovators to profit from their work, promoting continued innovation and a rich cultural landscape. Historically, formalized systems for protecting such creations emerged with the rise of printing and industrialization, recognizing the increasing value of intangible assets. These systems have evolved over time to address the complexities of a globalized and technology-driven world.
