Intellectual Property Rights
Overview of Intellectual Property Types and Importance in Innovation and IT
• Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions, designs, symbols, names, and images used in commerce (MBIE, n.d.).
Main types of IP include:
Patents: Protect new inventions and grant exclusive rights to the inventor for a limited period.
Trademarks: Protect brand names, logos, and slogans that distinguish goods or services.
Copyrights: Protect original works of authorship, such as literature, music, software, and art.
Designs: Protect the visual appearance of products.
Trade secrets: Protect confidential business information.
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Types of IP
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Importance in IT
Software code can be copyrighted
Logos and UI designs can be trademarked
Inventions (e.g., encryption methods) can be patented
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Relevance of Māori Intellectual Property in Digital Space
• Māori intellectual property includes cultural symbols, language, traditional knowledge, and expressions unique to Māori culture.
• Protection and proper use of Māori IP are essential to prevent misappropriation and ensure respect for Māori values and heritage
• In the digital space, Māori IP can be vulnerable to unauthorized use, copying, or commercialization without consent.
• Organizations and IT professionals should consult with Māori communities, respect cultural protocols, and seek permission before using Māori symbols, language, or traditional knowledge online.
• Recognizing and protecting Māori IP supports cultural integrity, self-determination, and equitable participation in the digital economy
(Kukutai & Taylor, 2016).
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Protecting Māori IP means
Gaining consent before using symbols
Preventing misuse or commercialisation
Recognising cultural ownership alongside legal rights