Pro Insight
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
By Lou Jones
Have you heard the twisted adage, “What’s mine is mine and what’s yours is mine?”
From the time we are little kids our parents and teachers tell us to share. Do not
covet what is not yours. Thou shalt not steal. But it is human nature: we want what
we want.
Through kindergarten and early stages of grade school all is forgiven. But
eventually we are taught to play well in the sandbox with others. The moral of the
story: we have to respect each other’s boundaries.
Under intellectual property law, creators are granted certain exclusive rights to a
variety of intangible assets, such as music, books and artistic works; discoveries
and inventions; words, phrases and designs. This includes trademark, copyrights,
patents, etc.
In practical terms, if you made it,
you own it. For better or worse, for
profit or loss, our labors are ours to
control and do with as we see fit.
If you invent a new machine that
helps society to improve or makes
things easier, we fully expect to buy
or sell its benefits. If you concoct
a medicine that cures some
pestilence, you should receive
awards. If you write a novel and it
becomes popular, you will make
money. And if you write a hit song,
you can become famous.
Tradition, courtesy, common sense
and laws are all aligned to make
sure your efforts are rewarded and
to encourage creative people to
continue to contribute to human
advancement in a fluid way.
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