ABSTRACT
Intellectual property (IP) can be thought of as any product of the human intellect that is deemed unique and potentially valuable in the marketplace, including an idea, invention, literary creation, unique name, business method, industrial process, chemical formula, and computer program. Since the creation and dissemination of IP is considered an important part of economic, social, and cultural development, laws have been created throughout the world to define and protect the rights of those who develop IP. These laws include protections through patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, and are enforced primarily through civil action and criminal prosecution.
