Case Report: Intellectual Property
Rights (IPR)
Introduction to IPR
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) are legal rights granted to creators to protect their
inventions, artistic works, symbols, names, and designs. These rights encourage innovation
by giving creators exclusive control over their work for a specific period.
Figure 1: Types of Intellectual Property
Types of Intellectual Property Rights
1. Patent
Protects new inventions (products or processes). Valid for 20 years. Example: A new
medicine formula. Purpose: To stop others from making, using, or selling the invention
without permission.
2. Trademark
Protects brand names, logos, slogans, or symbols. Valid for 10 years (renewable). Example:
Nike’s logo. Purpose: To identify the source of goods/services and prevent brand misuse.
3. Copyright
Protects original literary, artistic, musical, and software works. Valid for the lifetime of the
author + 60 years. Example: Books, songs, films. Purpose: To prevent copying or
reproducing without permission.
4. Geographical Indication (GI)
Protects products originating from a specific place, having qualities linked to that location.
Valid for 10 years (renewable). Example: Darjeeling Tea. Purpose: To protect regional
products and promote cultural heritage.
5. Industrial Design
Protects visual design or appearance of a product. Valid for 10 years (renewable). Example:
Perfume bottle design. Purpose: To protect the aesthetic aspect of products.
6. Plant Variety Protection
Protects new plant varieties developed by breeders. Valid for 15–18 years. Example: A new
rice variety. Purpose: To reward plant breeders and promote agricultural innovation.
7. Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Layout Design
Protects the layout design of integrated circuits. Valid for 10 years. Example: Circuit design
in microchips. Purpose: To protect the layout from being copied or used without
permission.
