What Can Be Done to Safeguard Your Intellectual Property on the Web?

Contents

Introduction 3

The History Behind Safeguarding of Intellectual Property 3

Ways to Safeguard Intellectual Property 4

Opponents to Intellectual Property Rights 5

What Can Be Done to Safeguard Your Intellectual Property on the Web? 6

Advantages of Technology 7

Conclusion 7

References 9

Introduction

Intellectual Property and protecting it is not a new concern, even though the Internet has made it far easier to steal ideas. In 1983, there were approximately two hundred host computers; twelve years later that number had grown to over five million host computers (Cyberethics, 2000).

So what is intellectual property? According to the World of Intellectual Property Organization “Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, and images” (WIPO, 2010).

The History behind Safeguarding of Intellectual Property

The first copyright laws came into effect during the 18th century “Battle of the Books”. The printing of books was controlled by the crown, due to the desire to control the spread of threatening religious or political ideas (Larmer, 1996). The 1709 Statute of Anne, provided a monopoly over copy, and even allowed for the right to search and seize property from buildings (Larmer, 1996).

William Enfield believed Intellectual property was valid because it was another way of making a living (Larmer, 1996). For example one may raise crops, another may be a merchant, and another may use his mind and philosophy, but all three men should compensated for what they do (Larmer, 1996). As laws changed with the invention of the printing press, the cassette recorder, and video recorder, they are evolving again to accommodate how intellectual property is shared over the web.

Ways to Safeguard Intellectual Property

Intellectual property can be divided into two categories: Industrial property, which is protected by trademarks, and patents, and those items protected by copyright, which can include literary, music, drawings, paintings, photographs and sculptures, to name a few (WIPO, 2010). Copyrights offer protection which extends throughout the life of the creator, and 50 years past their death (StopFakes, 2010). A patent provides an exclusive right granted to an invention. A patent provides protection for up to 20 years to the owner of the invention (WIPO, 2010). A trademark identifies goods or services produced or provided by a specific