Intellectual Property
IP stands for intellectual property. This refers to property rights in the creations of the human intellect (for example, inventions, know-how, and software). This intellectual property can be protected against imitation by obtaining property rights.
However, it is not only a matter of protecting one's idea but also of not infringing on the intellectual property rights of others!
Intellectual property rights
Intellectual Property Right: Patent
Subject of protection: Technical invention
Term: 20 years
Prerequisite: Novelty, inventive step, industrial application
Origin of the right: Application, examination, granting
Legal basis: Patent Act (PatG)
Property Right: Utility Model
Subject matter: Technical invention
Term: 10 years
Prerequisite: Novelty, inventive step, industrial application
Origin of the right: Application, registration
Legal basis: Utility Model Act (GebrMG)
Industrial Property Right: Design
Subject matter: Design and surface pattern
Term: 20 years
Prerequisite: Novelty, originality
Origin of the right: Application
Legal basis: Design Act (DesignG)
Property right: Copyright
Subject of protection: works: literature, science, art; software
Term: up to 70 years after the death
Prerequisite: creative level of design
Origin of the right: through the creation of the work
Legal basis: Copyright Act (UrhG)
Property Right: Trademark
Object of protection: goods, services, business designations, works (titles)
Term: 10 years, renewable indefinitely
Prerequisite: distinctiveness, use
Origin of the right: application, registration
Legal basis: Trademark Act (MarkenG)