Intellectual property can be described as any exceptional product of human intellect or the mind. Some common examples of intellectual properties include software, music, symbols, movies, designs, symbols, words and phrases. Similar to other properties, intellectual property is safeguarded by relevant laws that seek to protect the interests of creators. These laws seek to achieve this by giving the creators rights over their respective creations. However, the protection of intellectual property is associated with some ethical issues and concerns. This paper discusses intellectual property ethics in relation to intellectual property rights and intellectual property theft. The discussion includes an overview of laws relating to safeguarding intellectual property rights and a brief analysis of the Robin Thicke/Blurred Lines lawsuit.
Intellectual Property Rights and Intellectual Property Theft
Intellectual property rights can be simply defined as the privileges that content creators own over their creations (Burris, n.d.). These rights or privileges are safeguarded using various laws and policies that seek to safeguard the interests of creators with respect to their creations. These laws are classified into different categories such as copyright laws and patents. As part of protecting the intellectual property rights of content creators, these laws enable them to obtain financial benefit or recognition for their unique creations or inventions.
On the contrary, intellectual property theft is defined stealing or using someone else’s creation or invention without his/her permission. It primarily entails robbing individuals or companies of their inventions, ideas, and creative expressions for personal gain without their permission (Federal Bureau of Investigation, n.d.).
Laws on Protecting Intellectual Property Rights
As previously indicated, intellectual property rights are safeguarded...…be difficult to trust some who has been guilty of such an offense. This difficulty is further evident in the fact that intellectual property is intangible, which enhances vulnerability to theft.
In conclusion, intellectual property refers to a unique product of the mind or human intellect that is expressed in different forms. Intellectual property rights are safeguarded using laws or legislation that are classified into different categories including copyright, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. Despite concerns on whether there is a natural right to intellectual property, it is still important to safeguard the intellectual property of another. Such protection is associated with significant benefits for the creator and societal benefits relating to financial gains obtained from the property. As shown in the Robin Thicke/Blurred Lines lawsuit, intellectual property theft is associated with huge consequences.
References…
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