Last Updated: 05 Oct, 2023     Views: 2472

What is intellectual property?

Intellectual property is about protecting your rights over your unique creative efforts (creations of the mind). If you come up with new ideas, methods of production, creative works, or products or services, you hold intellectual property over the creation. Intellectual Property is an umbrella term, and different forms of IP protection (such as copyright) protect different types of creations and endeavours.

Intellectual property is supported in Australian legislation:

  • Copyright Act 1968 (Cth)
  • Patents Act 1990 (Cth)
  • Trademarks Act 1995 (Cth)
  • Designs Act 1906 (Cth)
  • Circuit Layouts Act 1989 (Cth)
  • Plant Breeder’s Rights Act 1994 (Cth)

Copyright and intellectual property

Copyright is a mechanisms that can be used to protect the tangible expressions of your intellectual property. Copyright applies to particular literary and artistic works, but doesn't cover ideas, methods, designs or other intangible ideas. These may be protected by other aspects of IP law.