Copyrights protect original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible medium of expression. This is the pillar that protects creative and artistic works. It automatically applies to a work as soon as it is created and includes things like books, music, paintings, software code, and architectural drawings. The copyright holder has the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and perform the work. Unlike a patent, a copyright does not protect an idea itself, but only the specific expression of that idea.

Trademarks are designed to protect brand identity. A trademark is any word, name, symbol, or device used to identify and distinguish the goods of one seller from those of another. This includes brand names, logos, and slogans. The primary purpose of trademark law is to prevent consumer confusion in the marketplace. By registering a trademark, a company gains the exclusive right to use that mark in connection with its goods or services, preventing competitors from using a similar mark that could deceive consumers.

Finally, Trade Secrets protect confidential business information that provides a company with a competitive edge. To qualify as a trade secret, the information must be secret, have commercial value because it is secret, and the company must take reasonable steps to keep it secret. Famous examples include the formula for a popular soft drink or a proprietary search algorithm. Unlike patents, trade secrets have no expiration date—they can last forever, as long as they remain secret.

These four pillars of intellectual property law form a critical framework for the innovation economy. Specific statutes, such as the Copyright Act in the United States or the European Patent Convention in Europe, provide the detailed rules for protecting these valuable intangible assets.