Probably the hardest entry to write in this glossary, because it is hard to place a limit on what is now considered to be intellectual property. Although traditionally intellectual property was understood to mean patents, copyrights, trademarks and (depending on the jurisdiction, know-how), it has come to be a very broad term – encompassing a huge range of intangible-assets, some of which may be referred to as quasi-intellectual property. In effect intellectual property has come to mean intangible rights to control how an idea or concept is used – be it a way of naming or identifying things or services, or ways of making or doing things. Depending on who one asks, these can include at least the following (though the range of what is IP is constantly expanding):
• Patents • Naming Rights • Trademarks & Service Marks • Copyrights
• Know-how & Show-how • Rights of Publicity • Semiconductor Maskworks
•New Drug Applications • Trade Secrets • Orphan Drug Registrations
• Databases • Trade Dress • Right of Endorsement • Right to Endorsement
• Advertising Slogans, Taglines, Straplines & Catchphrases • Avatars
• Domain Names • Architectural Designs • Box Rights • Bundling Rights
• Aircraft Supplemental Type Certification/Certificates • Business Names
• Right of Attribution • Plant Varieties • Clowns’ Faces, Dress & Moniker
• Geographical Designations of Origin • Protected Designation of Origin
• Registered Designs • Distribution Rights • Marketing Rights
• Third Party Licenses • Pricing Information •Supplier Agreements
• Customer Lists & Data • Stage Names • Cost Information
• Mineral Exploration Data & Results • Boat/Vessel Hulls • Schedule Slots