Intellectual Property Rights In The Renewable Energy Sector

Introduction

Intellectual Property ("IP") refers to the legal protection, that is granted to intellectual creations carrying commercial value. For instance, a product, process, software, algorithm, brand name, or any confidential know-how belonging to a business is an asset created through the intellect of the business owners. Such an innovation is considered as the intellectual property of the said business owner. In fact, IP is the key differentiator that sets one business apart from its competitors, effectively being the reasons why investors and customers would choose one venture over another.

IP protection aims to reward its creators by granting exclusive rights to the creators to use and commercialize their IP. The legal rights also empower the creators to stop unauthorised use and imitation of their IP, which consequently reduces consumer confusion and misrepresentation.