Patents
A patent can be granted for a new or improved article, process or chemical composition.
A patent gives you the exclusive right to prevent others from making or using your invention for a fixed period — normally up to 20 years.
A patent not only protects future returns for your investment in the research and the commercial development of your invention, but the security it provides may also convince potential business partners that yours is a venture worth supporting.
Trade Marks
A trade mark is any mark which distinguishes your goods or services from those of your competitors.
Consumers associate a certain image, quality and reputation with a trade mark.
Only marks that are distinctive or are capable of becoming distinctive can be registered as a trade mark. Certain types of marks cannot be registered and include, for example, common surnames, geographical names and words or devices which are apt to describe directly the goods or services upon which they are used. However, there are exceptions.
Designs
A design is the features of shape, configuration, pattern or ornamentation which, when applied to an article, gives the article a unique appearance.
A registered design does not protect methods of operation, methods of manufacture or other areas of functionality which are usually suitable subject matter for patent protection.
Copyright
Copyright protects the expression or form that a creative idea takes but not the idea itself and applies to original literary, dramatic, musical, artistic and other works.
There is no registration of copyright which can last for up to 70 years after the author's death.
Plant Breeder's Rights
Plant Breeder's Rights can provide exclusive commercial rights to a new variety of plant and can last for up to 25 years.
Circuit Layout Rights
A circuit layout is a plan which shows the location and interconnection of the components of an integrated circuit.
Protection is automatic, no registration is required. The right can last for 10 years from the first commercial exploitation.
Trade Secret
A trade secret may include any formula, pattern, plan, device or any information used in conducting your business and which gives you an advantage over your competitors. The information must be secret and must not be public knowledge in the trade or business.