Intellectual property
Legal rights protecting creations including software, designs, and algorithms through copyrights, patents, and trademarks. IP protection balances creator incentives with public benefit.
Real World
Oracle sued Google for copying Java APIs in Android. After a decade-long legal battle, the US Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that Google's use was fair use, reshaping how software copyright applies to APIs.
Exam Focus
Distinguish clearly between copyright (automatic, protects expression), patents (applied for, protects inventions), and trademarks (protects brands).
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