Generally speaking, in the United States, there are four main forms of IP protection:
- Patents cover inventions (e.g., devices, pharmaceuticals, contraptions, algorithms, etc.) and are granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Copyrights cover works of expression (e.g., artwork, books, software source code, etc) and are inherent.
- Trade secrets cover proprietary knowledge that is of economic benefit (e.g., formulas, processes, recipes, etc.) and are inherent, provided that the owner of the trade secret has taken steps to ensure its confidentiality.
- Trademarks cover distinguishing markers that identify the source of goods and services (e.g., logos, trade names, symbols, slogans, etc.) and are granted by the USPTO, though there is also a concept of common law trademark rights.
