Intellectual property law in the United States is a complex and multifaceted area that deals with the legal rights associated with creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, sounds, and images.
Patents
Patents are exclusive rights granted to inventors for their patented inventions. In the United States, patents are governed by 35 U.S.C. § 101-103, which provide for a range of patentable subject matter, including novel and non-obvious inventions.
Trademarks
Trademarks are symbols, signs, or phrases that identify a business, product, or service. In the United States, trademarks are governed by 15 U.S.C. § 1051-1061, which provide for exclusive rights to use and register marks.
Copyrights
Copies of copyrighted works are protected under 17 U.S.C. § 102(a), which prohibits the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holder.