IPR

Intellectual property rights (IPR) are legal rights that protect creations of the mind. They are divided into two categories: industrial property, which includes patents, trademarks and industrial designs; and copyright, which includes literary and artistic works, such as novels, poems and movies. IPRs are territorial, which means that they only exist in the country where they are granted.

IPRs give creators a number of exclusive rights. For example, copyright holders have the right to make copies of their work, to perform or display it in public, and to make derivative works. Patent holders have the right to exclude others from making, using or selling their invention. Trademark holders have the right to use their mark to identify their goods or services and to prevent others from using it without permission.

Enforcement of IPRs is largely a matter for national governments. In most countries, infringement of IPRs is punishable by law, with damages or even criminal sanctions available in some cases. However, enforcement can be difficult and expensive, especially in cross-border cases.

There are a number of international treaties that deal with IPRs, including the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. These treaties establish minimum standards for the protection of IPRs in member states.