Customs
What are the main Intellectual Property Rights?
Some of the most relevant IPRs include:
- Patents safeguard inventions, technical processes, and products. They grant the patent holders exclusive rights to manufacture, use, sell, or license their inventions;
- Copyrights protect original creative works, such as books, music, films, software, and artwork. They automatically arise upon creation, granting the creators exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and adapt their work;
- Related rights or neighbouring rights complement copyrights by protecting the rights of performers, producers of phonograms, and broadcasting organisations. These rights ensure that the holders receive appropriate compensation for their contributions to creative works;
- Trademarks distinguish goods and services from those of competitors. They can be brand names, logos, or symbols. Trademark registration provides legal protection and exclusive rights to use the marks;
- Design rights protect the aesthetic features of a product, such as its shape, pattern, or ornamentation. Registration of a design grants exclusive rights to use the design; and
- Geographical indications (GIs) identify products originating from a specific geographic location, where quality or reputation is linked to that origin. GIs protect traditional products like wine, cheese, and artisanal goods, inter alia.