Indian Institute of Science

Bangalore, India

Department of Electronics Systems and Engineering

Microelectronics And VLSI Design

NE 250 Entrepreneurship, Ethics, and Social Impact

Submitted To- Name- ARNAB MALLICK

Prof. Navakanta Bhat and Madhu Atre SR No- 04-02-01-10-51-23-1- 22726

Introduction to Intellectual Property (IP) Intellectual Property (IP) refers to creations of the mind,
such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, symbols, names, and images used in
commerce. IP is a crucial asset in today's knowledge-driven economy, offering legal protection to
the creators and owners of these intellectual creations. The protection of IP encourages innovation
and creativity by ensuring that inventors and creators can reap the benefits of their work.

Types of Intellectual Property There are several types of IP, each providing different forms of
protection:

1. Patents: Protect inventions and provide the patent holder with exclusive rights to use, sell,
or license the invention for a limited period, usually 20 years from the filing date.

2. Trademarks: Protect symbols, names, and slogans used to identify goods or services and
distinguish them from others in the market.

3. Copyrights: Protect original works of authorship, such as literature, music, and art, granting
the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display the work.

4. Trade Secrets: Protect confidential business information that provides a competitive edge,
such as formulas, practices, or processes. Unlike patents, trade secrets do not expire as
long as the information remains secret.

The Need for Intellectual Property The primary purpose of IP protection is to encourage
innovation and creativity. By granting creators exclusive rights to their inventions or works, IP law
ensures that they can benefit financially from their efforts. This, in turn, incentivizes further
innovation and the dissemination of knowledge. IP protection also helps in maintaining fair
competition by preventing unauthorized use of protected creations.

Patents vs. Knowhow Patents and knowhow are both valuable forms of IP but differ significantly. A
patent is a formal legal document granted by a government authority that provides the patent
holder with exclusive rights to an invention for a specified period. It requires public disclosure of the
invention in exchange for protection.

Knowhow, on the other hand, refers to practical knowledge, skills, and expertise related to the
manufacturing, production, or operation of a product or process. Unlike patents, knowhow is often
kept confidential and is not disclosed publicly. While patents protect specific inventions, knowhow
can include a broader range of technical knowledge that may not be patentable but is still crucial to
the success of a business.

Licensing Licensing is the process by which the owner of an IP (the licensor) grants permission to
another party (the licensee) to use the IP under agreed-upon terms and conditions. Licensing
allows IP holders to monetize their assets without directly exploiting them. It also enables the
dissemination of technology, ideas, and creative works, fostering innovation and competition
across industries.

The Patent Application Process The process of obtaining a patent typically involves several steps:

1
 1. Invention Disclosure: Documenting the invention in detail, including how it works, its
benefits, and potential applications.

2. Patent Search: Conducting a search to determine if similar inventions already exist or have
been patented.

3. Filing a Patent Application: Submitting a detailed application to the relevant patent office,
including claims that define the scope of the patent protection sought.

4. Examination: The patent office reviews the application to ensure it meets all legal
requirements, including novelty, non-obviousness, and utility.

5. Grant or Rejection: If the patent office finds the invention meets all criteria, the patent is
granted. If not, the application may be rejected, and the applicant can appeal or modify the
application.

Salient Features of Patents

• Exclusivity: A patent grants the holder exclusive rights to make, use, sell, and license the
invention, preventing others from doing so without permission.

• Territorial: Patents are generally valid only in the country or region where they are granted,
requiring separate applications for international protection.

• Limited Duration: Patents typically last for 20 years from the filing date, after which the
invention enters the public domain.

• Disclosure Requirement: To obtain a patent, the inventor must publicly disclose the
details of the invention, enabling others to learn from it and build upon it.

IISC Agencies :

• SID: Society for Innovation and Development: For Startups, Prof. Gurumoorthy.

• CSIC: Centre for Scientific and Industrial Consultancy: For consultancy projects with
industry, Prof. K. J. Vinoy

• IPTeL: Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing: For patents and knowhow protection
and licensing

• ODAA: Office for Development and Alumni Affairs

Conclusion Intellectual Property is a critical component of the modern economy, enabling the
protection and commercialization of innovation and creativity. Understanding the various forms of
IP, the differences between patents and knowhow, and the processes involved in securing IP rights
is essential for businesses and individuals alike. By fostering innovation and ensuring that creators
can benefit from their work, IP protection plays a vital role in driving economic growth and
technological advancement.