What other types of intellectual property are there besides patents?
- Copyright. A copyright protects any form of written expression. It covers music, books, graphics and any other form of creative expression in published works. Copyright protection can last up to 70 years after the inventor’s death. For works made for hire, copyright protection generally lasts for 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever is shorter. Scientific examples would be software, videos, clinical protocols, etc.
- Trademark: A trademark protects designation of the source of goods. A trademark is a brand name. A trademark or service mark includes any word, name, symbol, device, or any combination, used or intended to be used to identify and distinguish the goods/services of one seller or provider from those of others, and to indicate the source of the goods/services.
- Trade Secrets: These are concepts that are not known to the public. Trade secrets can include a formula, pattern, compilation, program, device, method, technique or process. Protection of NDSU developed inventions is not commonly managed through trade secret.