If a company develops a new technology that improves its main product, what type of intellectual property can they use to stop others from copying their invention?
Registered designs.
Patents.
Trademarks.
Geographical indications.
Copyright.
Patents.
The type of intellectual property that a company can use to stop others from copying their invention when developing a new technology that improves its main product is a patent. Patents provide exclusive rights to the inventor to prevent others from making, using, or selling the patented invention without permission. Patents are specifically designed to protect new and useful inventions, including technological advancements.
To determine the type of intellectual property that a company can use to stop others from copying their invention, we need to understand the options available. In this case, a company that develops a new technology for improving its main product has a few options:
1. Registered designs: Registered designs protect the appearance of a product, and they can be used to prevent others from copying the visual design aspects of the improved technology.
2. Patents: Patents protect inventions and provide exclusive rights to the inventor for a limited period of time. A company can apply for a patent to protect its new technology, and if granted, it can prevent others from making, using, or selling the same invention without permission.
3. Trademarks: Trademarks protect brands and distinguish the goods or services of one company from another. While trademarks can't directly protect the technology itself, they can be used to protect the branding associated with the improved product.
4. Geographical indications: Geographical indications protect products that are associated with a specific geographical location and have certain qualities, characteristics, or reputation because of that origin. This may not be directly applicable for protecting a technology, unless the improved product is tied to a specific region or origin.
5. Copyright: Copyright protects original creative works such as literature, music, art, or software. While copyright can protect the expression or code associated with the technology, it may not fully cover the functional aspects of the invention.
Among the options listed, the most relevant for protecting a new technology would be patents. Patents specifically provide exclusive rights to prevent others from copying the invention, making it a powerful form of intellectual property protection. By obtaining a patent, the company can legally stop others from using or exploiting their improved technology without permission.