What are the different types of intellectual property?

Intellectual property (IP) is a form of legal protection that allows creators to protect their ideas, inventions, designs, and works of art. Under IP law, creators are given exclusive rights to their intellectual property, which can be classified into four categories: copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. Copyrights protect the original expression of an idea, or its artistic expression, such as a painting, book, play, film, or musical work. This includes literary works, artistic works, and recordings of performances. Trademarks protect the words, symbols, logos, and other devices that are used to identify a product or service in the marketplace. Trademarks are used to distinguish one company’s products from others. Patents protect inventions, such as the design of a new product, the process for making a product, or the combination of elements used to make a new invention. Patents allow the inventor to prevent others from making, using, or selling their invention without their permission. Trade secrets protect confidential information, such as manufacturing processes, customer lists, or product formulas. Companies use trade secrets to keep their competitive edge. In New York, all four forms of intellectual property are protected. If someone violates intellectual property rights, the creator of that property can take legal action in order to protect their work.

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What are the different types of intellectual property?

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