Copyright protection is free and automatic. It protects your original expression of an idea as soon as you document it.
Copyright protects art, non-commercial designs, music, literature or film. For example, the Game of Thrones TV series.
The Attorney-General's Department manages copyright in Australia.
Similar to copyright, circuit layout rights are free and automatic. They protect the layout designs or plans of integrated circuits used in computer generated equipment. For example, computer chip or semiconductor chip designs for computers or pacemakers.
The Attorney-General's Department manages circuit layout rights in Australia.
A trade secret is confidential information that gives your business a competitive advantage. It may be secret formulas, methods or processes. For example, Coca-Cola's formula is a trade secret.
Trade secrets aren't registered with an IP office. You can protect your trade secrets with secrecy and confidentiality agreements. Common law covers infringement of trade secrets and breaches of confidentiality agreements.
Who owns intellectual property?
The owner of intellectual property (IP) isn't always the person who created the idea. Check you're the rightful owner before applying for IP rights or taking legal action.
Why it's important to value IP
The value of intellectual property (IP) can dramatically increase over the years. It's important to protect your assets early on and plan for business growth.