PROTECTING YOUR IDEA
Patents
Patents offer inventors exclusive rights to their creations,
providing incentives for research and development. They are also an
important means of sharing know-how. Patent documents describe new
aspects of a technology and can be read by anyone.
Trademarks
Trade-mark registration gives you exclusive rights to words, symbols
and designs, or combinations of these, that distinguish your wares
or services from those of someone else. Registration provides
protection for renewable periods.
Copyrights
Copyright gives an owner the sole right to copy his or her work or
permit someone else to do so. You can register your copyright. You
don't have to do so, but it can be a useful proof of ownership.
Industrial Design
An industrial design must be an original shape, pattern or
ornamentation applied to a manufactured article. The shape of a
table or the decoration on the handle of a spoon are examples of
industrial designs. Industrial design registration gives you
exclusive rights to your designs for a ten-year period, subject to
maintenance fees.
Integrated Circuit Topographies
The electronic circuits of an integrated circuit (IC) product are
embodied in a three-dimensional hill and valley configuration called
a topography. These designs are protected by the Integrated Circuit
Topography Act.
Small Bizz Workshop
Starting with a good Idea
Exploring Business Opportunities
Forty Concepts for a Small Business
Evaluating Your Ideas
Protecting Your Idea
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