The Legal System of Intellectual Property in the Digital Age

Abstract

Legal protection of intellectual property is essential for safeguarding the rights of innovators and creators across various fields, including literature, arts, media, inventions, and science. This protection aims to foster innovation and creativity by granting specific legal rights to the owners of intellectual works. These rights typically include the exclusive use of the work and the authority to prevent others from copying or utilizing the work without permission. The mechanisms for protection differ from country to country, depending on the type of intellectual property involved, such as copyright and patents. Patents are an exclusive right granted for an invention, allowing the patent holder to control how or whether others may use the invention. In return for this right, the patent owner makes technical information about the invention publicly available through a published patent document. Trademarks serve as identifiers that distinguish a company's goods or services from those of competitors. Copyrights cover a broad range of media, including publishing, books, music, paintings, sculptures, films, computer software, databases, advertisements, maps, and technical drawings. Internationally, these laws are regulated through agreements such as the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), alongside national laws enacted by individual countries. Protecting intellectual property rights is vital for the economic and commercial interests of business owners, as it encourages investment in research and development. Moreover, these rights promote fair competition and help to limit infringements and piracy. Infringements of intellectual property rights can take many forms, including illegal exploitation via the internet. Recognizing the importance of intellectual property as a key driver of societal development, most countries have enacted legislation and implemented measures to safeguard these rights from infringement and loss. Recently, the Public Prosecution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established a specialized office dedicated to protecting intellectual property and initiating criminal proceedings against violations of these rights.