Research & Innovation

Intellectual Property (IP) can allow you to own things you create in a similar way to owning physical property. You can control the use of your IP, and use it to gain reward. This encourages further innovation and creativity. The four main types of IP are: 

1. Copyright - Copyright protects material, such as literature, art, music, sound recordings, films and broadcasts.
2. Designs - Designs protect the visual appearance or eye appeal of products.
3. Patents - Patents protect the technical and functional aspects of products and processes.
4. Trade Marks - Trade Marks protect signs that can distinguish the goods and services of one trader from those of another. However, IP also covers trade secrets, plant varieties, geographical indications, performers rights and so on. Often, more than one type of IP may apply to the same creation.

Patent
A patent is an exclusive right granted for an invention, which is a product or a process that provides a new way of doing something, or offers a new technical solution to a problem. A patent protects new inventions and covers how things work, what they do, how they do it, what they are made of and how they are made. It gives the owner the right to prevent others from making, using, importing or selling the invention without permission. Your invention must:
• be new
• have an inventive step that is not obvious to someone with knowledge and experience in the subject
• be capable of being made or used in some kind of industry
• not be:

- a scientific or mathematical discovery, theory or method

- a literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work

- a way of performing a mental act, playing a game or doing business

- the presentation of information, or some computer programs

- an animal or plant variety

- a method of medical treatment or diagnosis

- against public policy or morality.

If your invention meets these requirements, you may want to consider applying for a patent.
If you have a granted patent, you must renew it every year after the 5th year for up to 20 years protection.
If you do not patent your invention, anyone can to use, make or sell your invention without your permission. You can attempt to keep your invention secret, but this may not be possible for a product where the technology is on display. Further information about patent protection is available in the Patents area.