> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://maxi-science.gitbook.io/manual-maxi-registry/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://maxi-science.gitbook.io/manual-maxi-registry/intellectual-property-concepts-origins-and-categories.md). # Intellectual Property: Concepts, Origins & Categories What Is Intellectual Property? Intellectual property (IP) is a set of guidelines designed to provide legal protection to human creations, guaranteeing the author (individual or legal entity) the right to use them to generate profit. Patents, trademarks, industrial design, geographical indication and copyright are examples of intellectual property enforcement tools. Adopted by several countries, the concept recognizes the primacy of creators over their works, providing for sanctions for those who use them without the express authorization of those who produced and registered them. The idea of intellectual property emerged after the Middle Ages, when ways to facilitate the reproduction of texts were invented, such as the Gutenberg press. Works of an intellectual nature, whether with industrial, scientific, literary or artistic purposes, are protected by intellectual property. ### What Does Intellectual Property Protect? To get an idea of the scope of this concept, it is worth knowing the definition given by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The entity states that intellectual property is the sum of rights relating to: • Literary, artistic and scientific works • Interpretations by performing artists • Executions of performing artists • Phonograms and broadcasting emissions • Inventions in all domains of human activity • Scientific discoveries • Industrial designs and models • Industrial, commercial and service brands • Commercial firms and commercial names • Protection against unfair competition and all other rights inherent to intellectual activity in the industrial, scientific, literary and artistic domains. ### WIPO separates protected works into two distinct categories: industrial property and copyright COPYRIGHT: Protects artistic, literary and scientific creations, such as music, books, films, photographs and software. Copyright grants creators control over the use and distribution of their works, as well as the right to be recognized as authors. INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY: Covers patents, trademarks, industrial designs and geographical indications. These rights protect inventions, distinctive signs and designs that give originality to products and services, contributing to competition and economic development. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://maxi-science.gitbook.io/manual-maxi-registry/intellectual-property-concepts-origins-and-categories.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.