SO WHAT EXACTLY IS IP ANYWAY?

Intellectual Property (IP) in simple terms is property born out of the exertion of the intellect or mind; an original creative thought or idea. Unlike physical property which is real and tangible, intellectual property is intangible but the law protects the rights contained in the creative physical expressions / publications of those original thoughts and ideas in tangible forms.

Intellectual Property Law governs and regulates the protection of these rights through various laws and judicial precedents which cut across various forms/ classes of works, and various expressions of those creative ideas and thoughts. Works covered by Intellectual Property law range from Books, Videos, Musical Recordings, Images; to Designs, Marks/Logos, Inventions, Performances, Broadcasts, Images, Perfumes etc.

The purpose is simply to foster creativity. The protection of these rights creates a suitable environment for creativity to thrive, because piracy is controlled and remedies are made available to creators whose rights are infringed upon.

Imagine a Country with a superb Intellectual Property Law framework and efficient enforcement agencies! Creativity will be at its peak and gradually its economic proficiency will be tops! Imagine if all countries operated in the same manner, birthing many international frameworks of IP protection and enforcement. Creativity will be at its zenith!

Core areas of IP include Copyright (books, videos, sound recordings etc) and Related Rights (Broadcasts, Broadcasts etc), Trademark (name or logo identifying a product or service), Patent (Rights in Inventions) and Industrial Design (Right in combination of lines, designs and or shapes of a product).

Laws exist both locally and internationally which govern IP in each of these areas. So if you’re an author, artist, movie producer, inventor, brand owner, creator, performer etc, you can be rest assured that you are protected. Put on your creative hat and sit at your creative desk! Think! Meditate! Create! But don’t just stop there; ensure you register your work with the appropriate authority so as to enjoy full protection under the applicable law.

The only limits exist in the mind. You can create anything you can think of or imagine. Every invention you can mention which we make use of today emanated from an original thought or idea. The car, aeroplane, telephone, internet, computer, microwave, washing machine, electricity etc, you name it! So don’t despise that idea or thought, just go on out and create, and ensure your work is registered where necessary. I wish you the best in all of your creative endeavours!


©March 2013, By Lola Agbaje-Williams.



>Lola Agbaje-Williams is a Legal Practitioner based in Nigeria who is passionate about Intellectual Property, Media and Entertainment Law. You can contact her via her email address: lolaagbajewilliams@gmail.com or Follow her on Twitter: @lolawilliams02