Learn about important intellectual property rights such as copyright, patents, trademarks and trade secrets.

This free online course provides a Diploma in Intellectual Property Rights, and starts with a brief introduction to IP (Intellectual Property). IP is a category of property that includes intangible creations of the human intellect. There are many types of intellectual property, and some countries recognize more than others. The most well-known types are copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets.

The course shall give a brief overview of the IP landscape in India. It shall also dwell into the role of IP in the modern intangible economy. There has been rise in the intangible economy especially in the last few decades. The protections that IP rights offer give people a way to benefit financially from or earn recognition for their creations. The right balance between creator interests and the interests of the wider public fosters an environment in which innovation and creativity flourish.

Next we will learn about types of intellectual property. Copyright describes the rights creators have to their artistic and literary works. Patents are exclusive rights granted over an invention or industrial process, and they protect against unauthorized use of the product. Trademarks are signs that are meant to be used in commerce as they distinguish one company's goods or services from those of other companies. Trade secret laws are designed for the protection of sensitive business information. This course can be offered as a generic elective subject under the Choice Based Credit System in universities.