Research Guides: Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC): Intellectual Property

Types of Intellectual Property

Broadly speaking, intellectual property, "refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce." IP law attempts to balance the interests of innovators and the public to "enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create" while providing the public with access to new knowledge and ideas (WIPO).

There are four types of intellectual property:

Patents
Trade Secrets
Copyright
Trademarks

This section of our guide will help you explore the types of intellectual property.

Best Bets Starting Points to Learn More

USPTO
This is the homepage for the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), where many of the resources of this guide originate.
IP Identifier
This tool from the USPTO is intended to help individuals, "learn how to identify which... creative ideas might be intellectual property assets and how to protect them".
IP Basics Toolkit (USPTO)
These toolkits cover trademarks, trade secrets, patents and copyright and each publication provides a brief introduction to the type of IP and the relevant considerations for someone considering various IP protection options.
Inventor and Entrepreneur Resources (USPTO)
One stop shopping to learn about types of IP, basics of searching for patents and trademarks, and how to apply for IP protections.
What is intellectual property? (WIPO)
From the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), a basic introduction to types of intellectual property, which links to some of their online training as well.
LinkedIn Learning
LinkedIn Learning is available through the Columbus Metropolitan Library. It has a number of good overview courses related to intellectual property.

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Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC)

Types of Intellectual Property

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