Question 12
If Apple develops a new technology that revolutionises its iPhones, what type of intellectual property can they use to stop others from copying their invention?
0 Geographical indications.
0 patents
0 TRADEMARKS
0 Registered designs
0 copyright
patents
To stop others from copying their invention, Apple can use patents as a type of intellectual property. Patents grant inventors the exclusive rights to their inventions for a certain period of time, typically 20 years from the filing date, and prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented technology without permission.
The type of intellectual property that Apple can use to protect their new technology and prevent others from copying it is a patent.
To determine this, we can examine the options provided:
1. Geographical indications: Geographical indications are used to indicate the geographical origin of a product and protect the reputation associated with that location. However, they do not offer protection for technological inventions.
2. Trademarks: Trademarks are used to protect brand names, logos, and symbols that distinguish a company's goods or services from others. While trademarks are important for brand recognition, they don't provide protection for technological innovations.
3. Registered designs: Registered designs are used to protect the visual appearance of a product, such as its shape, pattern, or color. While Apple may seek registered design protection for the aesthetics of their new technology, it does not offer comprehensive protection against copying the underlying technology itself.
4. Copyright: Copyright protects original works of authorship, such as literary, artistic, or musical works. While software code can be subject to copyright protection, it may not be sufficient to prevent others from copying the technology itself.
5. Patents: Patents are exclusive rights granted to inventors for their new inventions, which can be a product, a process, or a method. They provide the strongest legal protection for technological innovations, giving the patent holder the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention. Therefore, obtaining a patent would be the most appropriate type of intellectual property for Apple to use in order to stop others from copying their new technology.