tööstusomandiõiguste

Tööstusomandiõigused refer to a category of intellectual property rights that protect inventions and distinctive signs used in commerce. These rights are granted by public authorities and provide exclusive rights to the owner for a limited period. The primary types of industrial property rights include patents, utility models, industrial designs, trademarks, and geographical indications.

Patents protect new inventions, whether they are products or processes, that involve an inventive step and are capable of industrial application. They grant the inventor the exclusive right to prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the invention for a set term, typically 20 years from the filing date. Utility models are similar to patents but protect inventions that are less inventive. They are often used for smaller innovations or technical improvements.

Industrial designs protect the ornamental or aesthetic aspect of an article. This can include the shape, configuration, pattern, or ornamentation applied to a product. Protection is granted for a period that can be renewed, often up to 15 years.

Trademarks protect distinctive signs, such as words, logos, or symbols, that distinguish the goods or services of one enterprise from those of other enterprises. Trademarks can be renewed indefinitely as long as they are in use. Geographical indications identify a good as originating in a specific geographical location, where a particular quality, reputation, or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.

These rights are territorial, meaning they are only valid in the country or region where they are granted. However, international treaties and agreements facilitate the protection of industrial property rights across multiple jurisdictions. Owning industrial property rights can provide a significant competitive advantage, enabling businesses to protect their innovations and brand identity.