Intellectual Property Overview

Intellectual property is that which is held in your mind and not your hand.

Intellectual property (IP) traditionally encompasses patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secrets -- and these areas of law do truely encompass most of what can be considered IP. However, such things as domain names were created after the basic IP laws were written, and thus, many courts are not sure if they should be treated as real property, intellectual property (you can't hold them in your hand) or as the subject of a contract. For the moment, don't worry about this, as you cannot affect what the courts decide; and one day, the US Supreme Court will make a decision in this regard.

What is important is that you understand that just because you own IP, it does not follow that people and entities will not infringe -- and more importantly, it is YOUR JOB to protect (police) your IP.  If you do not protect your IP, then it is not worth having.