Intellectual Property Toolkits
Intellectual property (IP) is all around you, protecting creations of the mind.
IP includes copyrightable creative works as soon as an author fixes their work in a tangible form of expression. IP also includes inventions protected by patents, brands protected by trademarks, and commercially valuable information protected under trade secret law.
Interested in learning more about different types of IP? Download a copyright registration toolkit from the U.S. Copyright Office below, along with toolkits on trademarks, patents, and trade secrets, developed in conjunction with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Copyrights |
Trademarks |
Patents |
Trade Secrets
| Copyrights | |
Copyright law protects original creative works, like books, songs, sculptures, paintings, website content, and photographs.
Related Resources from the Copyright Office
Not sure what IP you own or what the Copyright Office does? |
Looking for a deeper dive into copyright concepts and Copyright Office procedures? |
Are you a creative professional or business owner looking for industry-specific information? |
Ready to register your work or search the Copyright Office’s records? |
How can I contact the Copyright Office if I have questions?
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Learn more about other areas of IP:
| Trademarks | |
Trademark law protects brand names, slogans, and other source identifiers. Examples include a logo featured on a website and a water bottle.
| Patents | |
Patent law protects new processes and inventions, such as printers. Certain designs and plants may also be protected.
| Trade Secrets | |
Trade secret law protects valuable commercial information that is kept secret, such as data, formulas, recipes, manufacturing processes, and customer lists.