Definition
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Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the human mind. A creative work, an original expression or technical solutions to a problem can all be creations of value. These creations of the mind when duly protected can become valuable intellectual property.
The various forms of IP protected in Singapore are patents, trade marks, registered designs, copyright, layout-designs of integrated circuits, geographical indications, trade secrets and confidential information, as well as plant variety.
A patent is a monopoly right given by the Government to the owner of an invention to enable him to prevent others from using, copying or making the invention without his consent in the country in which he has obtained patent protection.
Trade Mark
A trade mark is a sign used by a person in the course of business or trade to distinguish his goods or services from those of other traders.
A design refers to the features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornament applied to an article by an industrial process. It is the appearance of articles we see everyday. An article refers to any object to which the design is applied.
A plant variety is a plant group within a single botanical taxon of the lowest rank. It can be:
- defined by the expression of the characteristics resulting from a given genotype or a combination of genotypes;
- distinguished from any other plant grouping by the expression of at least one of those characteristics; and
- considered as a unit with regard to its suitability for being propagated unchanged.
Copyright is a bundle of rights given to creators of works to make sure that only they can use and reproduce what they have created for their own purposes. It protects works like novels, computer programs, plays, sheet music and paintings. These rights enable a copyright owner to control the commercial exploitation of his work.
A trade secret is some information or "secret" that is important to the business and is not known to the public. It is a term commonly used to cover information that has commercial value. The law on "trade secrets" is really about the protection of Confidential Information.
A geographical indication is a sign which identifies a product as originating from a location that has given that product a special quality or reputation or other characteristic. It usually consists of the name of the place of origin of the product.
A layout-design of an integrated circuit (IC) refers essentially to the 3-dimensional character of the elements and interconnections of an IC. An IC is an electronic circuit in which the elements of the circuit are integrated into some medium, and which functions as a unit. |
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