MGT211 Theme 14 by VUBuddy

Introduction to Business – MGT211 Short Notes By VU Nexus · Theme 14 · Intellectual Property Rights and Other Key Issues · 1. Overview of Intellectual Property (IP)

Definition: IP refers to creations of the mind—such as inventions, designs, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, and images—protected by law. Purpose: Protects creators’ and businesses’ rights, encourages innovation, and safeguards brand identity.

Key Forms Covered: · 1. Trademark · 2. Copyright

3. Patent

2. Trademark

Definition: A recognizable sign, logo, word, phrase, design, or combination that distinguishes goods/services of one business from others.

Purpose:

Protect brand identity. Prevent use of confusingly similar marks.

Law: Trademarks Ordinance, 2001 Authority: Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan, Ministry of Commerce.

Types of Trademarks:

Word marks (e.g., “Nestlé”) Logos/symbols Slogans (e.g., “Just Do It”) 3D marks (e.g., Coca-Cola bottle shape) Sound marks (emerging practice).

1. Search existing marks (optional but recommended).
2. Apply to IPO Pakistan.
3. Examination by Registrar.
4. Publication in Trademarks Journal (2-month opposition period).
5. Registration certificate issued if no opposition or resolved opposition.

Validity:

10 years initially, renewable indefinitely for further 10-year terms.

3. Copyright

Definition: Legal protection for creators of original works of authorship—literary, artistic, musical, cinematic, and software works.

Purpose:

Give creators exclusive rights to use, reproduce, and distribute their works for a set period.

Law: Copyright Ordinance, 1962 (amended). Authority: Copyright Office, under IPO Pakistan.

Protected Works:

Literary (books, articles). Artistic (paintings, sculptures). Cinematographic films. Musical works and sound recordings. Computer software (sometimes also under patent law). Registration Process (optional but beneficial):

1. Submit application to Copyright Office.
2. Pay fees.
3. Registrar examination.
4. Certificate issued.

Protection Period:

Literary, musical, artistic: lifetime of author + 50 years after death. Films, sound recordings: 50 years from publication date.

4. Patent

Definition: A legal right for inventors over a new, useful, and non-obvious invention— exclusive right to make, use, and sell for a set period.

Purpose:

Encourage innovation through time-limited exclusivity.

Law: Patents Ordinance, 2000. Authority: IPO Pakistan.

What Can Be Patented:

New and useful products, processes, machines, compositions of matter. Software with technical application.

Exclusions:

Scientific theories, mathematical methods. Treatment methods for humans/animals. Abstract ideas or mere discoveries.

1. File application with specifications and claims.
2. Examination by Patent Office.