intellectual property rights

Oil and gas platform offshore (© Shutterstock.com)

Here’s the real value in intellectual property rights

What is intellectual property law and how does the United States work to uphold it in its courts? Learn more about its importance here.
Collage of images of sheet music, movie posters and book covers (Movie posters © Getty Images)

U.S. copyright: Protecting authors, preserving culture

Every year in the U.S., thousands of old classics become free for use, thanks to protections in U.S. copyright law that spur creativity.
Illustration showing gold medal with red ribbon on background of patent drawings (State Dept./D. Thompson)

The high value of U.S. patents

Of the 50 million patents granted worldwide, many — like one for a crustless sandwich — flop. But U.S. inventors lead in viable ideas.
Langston Hughes smiling (© Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

How U.S. copyright law frees art for the future

Films, poems, songs and stories from 1926 are free for all to enjoy. Learn how U.S. copyright law protects creators and promotes creativity.
Illustration of person standing in front of water and reaching toward light bulb (© 13_Phunkod/Shutterstock)

Intellectual property training helps startups in India

The U.S. is helping entrepreneurs in India build businesses and protect their ideas through the Nexus business incubator in New Delhi.
Illustration of eagle guarding nest with glowing light bulb in it (State Dept./D. Thompson)

U.S. trade report details counterfeiting, online piracy

A U.S. government report highlights intellectual property rights violations worldwide. See which nations are taking action against copyright violations.
Gloved hands holding syringe and vial (© Matt Rourke/AP Images)

U.S. supports waiving rights to COVID-19 vaccines

The United States supports a waiver of intellectual property rights to speed vaccine production. Learn about efforts to improve global access to vaccines.
Illustration of people opening door on side of large copyright symbol (State Dept./D. Thompson)

U.S. copyright law makes thousands of classics free for all

Thousands of songs and stories entered the public domain on January 1, 2021, allowing anyone to freely enjoy or adapt classics from 1925.
Drawing of people wearing hooded sweatshirts bending over laptops while seated along connected lines (State Dept./D. Thompson)

The global reach of the Chinese government’s hackers and thieves

The People's Republic of China's intellectual property thieves are targeting companies worldwide. Learn more about the hackers' global reach.